Mining Supply and Services Sector – Page 7

NEWS RELEASE: Boart Longyear Marks 125th Anniversary With Historic Display at The National Mining Hall of Fame and Museum

July 10, 2015

SALT LAKE CITY – June 3, 2015 – Boart Longyear (www.BoartLongyear.com), the world’s leading provider of integrated drilling services and drilling products, is proud to recognize its 125th anniversary today, marking the occasion by announcing a historic timeline and collection of Longyear and Boart Longyear artifacts dating back to the late 1800s will feature at the National Mining Hall of Fame and Museum in Leadville, Colorado, USA.

“We are very proud to celebrate Boart Longyear’s 125th anniversary this year,” said Kent Hoots, senior vice president of Boart Longyear. “The display and historic pieces are proof of the long and respected legacy of quality and innovation that Edmund J. Longyear started in 1890 and that we maintain today. “Our 125th anniversary is dedicated to the people who built – and continue to build – this fine company. That’s why we want to make sure our history is properly preserved and on display for people to enjoy.”

All but a few of the historic pieces on display have been permanently donated to the museum. Among those on loan for the summer is Longyear’s first-ever drilling services contract, dated May 19, 1891. The handwritten contract was with Mallmann Iron Mining Company and included sinking diamond drill holes in the Mesabi Iron Range of Minnesota.

Included in the permanent collection of donated pieces is an original San Francisco Chronicle newspaper story entitled “The World’s Greatest Span,” dated October 5, 1930.

[Hard-Line] Underground connection – by Katelyn Spidle (CIM Magazine – June/July 2015)

July 7, 2015

https://www.cim.org/en.aspx

Communication is key in underground mines, and wireless local area networks (WLAN) are connecting miners and their tools to the Internet to allow them to share and retrieve data efficiently, without interference.

In 1999 Hard-Line – a Sudbury-based heavy equipment remote control supplier – tested wireless technology in Falconbridge’s Craig mine. Hard-Line was using Aironet technology, now part of Cisco Systems, to develop new communications solutions for the mining industry.

Its key focus was to discover how wireless technology, relatively new at the time, could improve the safety and security of workers. In the end, the project also revealed wireless technology to be cost-effective, efficient and reliable.

“In the early 2000s we approached one of the larger companies and we showed them this technology; it blew their minds,” said Hard-Line president Walter Siggelkow. “It was everything they had asked for in a communications system.”

Hard-Line has since converted its original network system, the Mine Area Net, to act as the backbone of the company’s Teleop Tele-Remote Control Systems.

NEWS RELEASE: Ionic Engineering – Talos Steel Joint-Venture Opens New Office in Santiago, Chile

June 8, 2015

www.ionic-eng.com

(Greater Sudbury, June 8, 2015) Ionic Engineering and Talos Steel, both of Lively, in the heart of the Sudbury Mining Cluster, have joined forces to launch a new venture in South America. Based in Santiago, Chile, the new company, known as Ionic Tecnologias Spa will represent the interests of both companies.

Chile is a leader in copper production and is home to some of the largest mining projects in the world. Both Ionic Engineering and Talos Steel have been working in Chile for years. “A local presence will greatly improve our responsiveness to customers as well as allow us to maintain regular contact with some of our best clients” says Steve Matusch, President of the Ionic group of companies.

Talos Steel is a high-quality industrial fabricator specializing in mining projects. “Pairing our industrial know-how with Ionic’s automation experience really puts this new venture in a very unique competitive position” claims Frank Grossi, Vice President of Talos Steel. Grossi continues “Mining companies from Canada, and the Sudbury basin in particular, are very well respected abroad. We are building a strong brand around Ionic Tecnologias”.

Ionic Tecnologias has a mandate to provide fast, affordable and quality solutions for this growing sector. “There is no doubt that this venture will be successful,“ continues Matusch, “provided that we deliver a quality product for a competitive price, we believe that this market will be one of growth and prosperity”.

It seems Sudbury really is the centre of the mining universe – by Staff (Northern Ontario Business – May 14, 2015)

May 14, 2015

http://www.northernlife.ca/

Greater Sudbury was represented at an awards gala held by the Canadian Institute of Mining, Metallurgy and Petroleum (CIM) in Montreal on May 11.

The annual event celebrates leaders in the Canadian mining industry and their many achievements over past years.

Northern Ontario winners include Christine Bertoli, recipient of the CIM-Bedford Canadian Young Mining Leaders Awards.

Based in Lively, Bertoli is the chief mine engineer of Nickel Rim South Mine for Sudbury Integrated Nickel Operations (Glencore). The award recognizes workers 39 years of age or under for exceptional achievement, as well as their potential for future leadership in various sectors of mining.

Sue Tessier of Val Caron was recognized with the CIM Community Service Award. Tessier, who enjoyed a 34-year career with Inco/Vale, is now retired and volunteers her time with a number of organizations, including the CIM Sudbury Branch, GO Eng Girl, and the Sudbury Regional Science Fair. This award recognizes unsung heroes for their contributions to the mining industry.

Beyond the backyard: Northern Ontario mining suppliers outgrow their traditional customers – by Eavan Moore (CIM Magazine – March/April 2015)

May 4, 2015April 16, 2015

http://www.cim.org/en.aspx

For every one person employed in an Ontario mine, there are two employed in the sectors that supply them. The expertise accumulated in the province has long overflowed its borders, but local developments and global forces have challenged mine suppliers who might otherwise have stayed content with local business.

“We’re running about 15,000 people working just in Sudbury alone on service functions and products and services,” says Dick DeStefano, executive director of the Sudbury Area Mining Supply and Service Association (SAMSSA). “Vale and Glencore have maybe 5,000 people or 6,000 people total working. Mining suppliers get to the point where they need to maintain their workforces, so they go look for other markets.”

DeStefano believes that more northern Ontario suppliers have turned their attention outwards. Part of that is simply due to the universal downturn; in Ontario as everywhere else, mining has slowed in recent years. But Vale and Glencore (then Xstrata) also changed the local landscape when they acquired major customers Inco and Falconbridge in 2008 and 2009.

“When the global mining companies purchased the Canadian assets, among all the other effects two actions occurred regarding the acquisitions,” explains Spencer Ramshaw, director, information and communications at the Canadian Association of Mining Equipment and Services for Export (CAMESE).

Atlas Copco and Anglo American Announce JDA for Underground Mining Equipment (March 23, 2015)

March 24, 2015

http://www.azomining.com/

A joint development project involving two of the mining industry’s flagship companies – Atlas Copco and Anglo American – is well under way towards a potential milestone in future mining technology.
Atlas Copco, the leading mining and construction equipment manufacturer and Anglo American, the global mining corporation, are set to test a new type of mining machine that is expected to transform the extraction process of ore from underground hard rock mines.

The two companies have been cooperating in a research and development partnership since 2012 and their combined efforts, which center on mechanical excavation technology, are now in an advanced stage with proof-of-concept testing scheduled to start in the fall, 2015.

If all goes according to plan, it will be a milestone for the partnership and one of the most significant examples of innovative technology to emerge from Anglo American’s FutureSmart™ approach to mining.

Scott Barker, President of Atlas Copco’s Underground Rock Excavation Division, says: “We are very proud to be Anglo American’s partner in this joint development project and we are excited at the prospect of demonstrating this potential game-changing technology to the mining industry.”

Donovan Waller, Group Head of Technology Development at Anglo American, comments:

NEWS RELEASE: SAMSSA: The growth of a Mature Mining Cluster in Northern Ontario – by Dick DeStefano (March 9, 2015)

May 4, 2015March 9, 2015

http://samssa.ca/

Dick DeStefano is the Executive Director of the Sudbury Area Mining Supply& Service Association (SAMSSA)

The following historical summary of the growth and establishment of a mining cluster in Northern Ontario is being released to major Domestic and International mining centres and trade commissioners in the next few months based on a number of requests and presentations forthcoming.

Our partners and growth is based on four partnerships pillars that creates a unique model of mining expertise in the global market and is being applauded by a number of mining leaders and agencies and institutions. All of those who participated in developing this enterprise should be proud of its accomplishments and results over the past 12 years .

Please feel free to forward our story to anyone who is not aware and use its content as you travel the globe pursuing business opportunities and support our members and partners.

SAMSSA: The growth of a Mature Mining Cluster in Northern Ontario

It is quite evident that the Northern Ontario Mining Cluster has developed as a “mature cluster” based on studies by major agencies and institutions who study this concept.

Sudbury needs premier needs to act boldly [turn Laurentian in global Harvard of hardrock mining] – by Stan Sudol (Sudbury Star – February 9, 2015)

May 4, 2015February 9, 2015

The Sudbury Star is the City of Greater Sudbury’s daily newspaper.

Note: this is the second of two parts.

Sudbury: Paris of the Mining World

While I can’t remember who coined the phrase, “Sudbury, the Paris of the Mining World” – I wish I had been that clever – there is an amazing amount of truth to the statement. Obviously, in no uncertain terms, does any part of Sudbury remind anyone – even in a drugged or drunken state – of Paris.

However, my lake-filled, mid-sized hometown does have a wide variety of retail, tourist, educational and other amenities that most tiny isolated mining towns do not and it is located only 400 km north of Canada’s largest city, Toronto.

A few years ago, a colleague who moved from Red Lake to Sudbury almost considered herself in “mining heaven” with the abundance of amenities not found in that tiny gold mining centre.

In addition to the Ontario government’s new differentiation and international student outreach policies, there are many other reasons why all post-secondary mining programs should be relocated to Sudbury’s Laurentian University.

Accent: Laurentian as ‘Harvard of Hardrock Mining’ – by Stan Sudol (Sudbury Star – February 7, 2015)

May 4, 2015February 9, 2015

The Sudbury Star is the City of Greater Sudbury’s daily newspaper.

Note: This is the first of two parts.

Laurentian University economics professor David Robinson, who ran for the Green Party in Sudbury’s provincial byelection on Thursday, has done a terrific job in highlighting mining issues and his plans to ensure that Sudbury continues to become Ontario’s centre of mining excellence.

It’s a refreshing policy approach that often gets overlooked by other politicians, but in fairness to Glenn Thibeault and even Premier Kathleen Wynne, both have also mentioned — but not with the same passion as Robinson — and promoted Sudbury’s mining sector.

However, as with many issues related to Premier Wynne and the mining sector — including the Ring of Fire — there seems to be more “political talk” and very “little solid walk.” Actually, dodging and spinning would be a better description of her government’s mining policy in general.

If Premier Wynne is truly serious about promoting and establishing Sudbury as a centre of mining excellence, then she must merge and relocate all of Ontario’s university mining programs to Laurentian and significantly expand and establish a “Global Harvard of Hardrock Mining” with a mandate to educate the next generation of miners in Canada and from around the world.

With this consolidation, not only would the premier solidify Sudbury’s premier role in underground mining, supply and services, mining education and research in Canada, she would also dovetail with current policy proposals from her own Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities that are trying to cut duplication in the university sector and increase the number of international students attending the province’s universities.

Attention Premier Wynne: Turn Laurentian Into Global Harvard of Hardrock Mining – by Stan Sudol (January 30, 2015)

May 4, 2015January 30, 2015

Stan Sudol is a Toronto-based communications consultant, mining columnist and owner/editor of www.republicofmining.com He can be reached at stan.sudol@republicofmining.com

This essay was also published in the Sudbury Star in two parts:

http://www.thesudburystar.com/2015/02/07/accent-laurentian-as-harvard-of-hardrock-mining-2

http://www.thesudburystar.com/2015/02/09/sudbury-needs-premier-needs-to-act-boldly

Sudbury Byelection

Laurentian University economics professor David Robinson, who is running for the Green Party in the current municipal by-election, has done a terrific job in highlighting mining issues and his plans to ensure that Sudbury continues to become Ontario’s centre of mining excellence.

It’s a refreshing policy approach that often gets overlooked by other politicians but in fairness to Glen Thibeault and even Premier Wynne, both have also mentioned – but not with the same passion as David Robinson – and promoted Sudbury’s mining sector.

However, as with many issues related to Premier Wynne and the mining sector – including the Ring of Fire – there seems to be more “political talk” and very “little solid walk”, actually dodging and spinning would be a better description of her government’s mining policy in general.

If Premier Wynne is truly serious about promoting and establishing Sudbury as a centre of mining excellence, than she must merge and relocate all of Ontario’s university mining programs to Laurentian and significantly expand and establish a “Global Harvard of Hardrock Mining” with a mandate to educate the next generation of miners in Canada and from around the world.

NEWS RELEASE: Sagamok Anishnawbek First Nations and Ionic Engineering Sign Cooperation Agreement

May 4, 2015January 22, 2015

(Greater Sudbury, January 21, 2015) Ionic Engineering of Lively (SAMSSA Member) and the Sagamok Anishnawbek First Nation have signed an agreement that outlines how the two organizations will work together to pursue projects in the Sagamok traditional territories and beyond.

The mutually beneficial agreement will see Ionic Engineering provide training and employment opportunities for members of the Sagamok community. With a demographic of mostly young people, First Nations people represent a significant labour resource for the entire Canadian economy. “Finding the right people for the right job is one of our biggest challenges” says Steve Matusch, President of Ionic Engineering.

Sagamok Anishnawbek Chief, Paul Eshkakogan is excited about this partnership stating that “our young people want to work for companies that respect and appreciate their abilities. Working with a technology company on industrial projects is exactly the kind of focus that we are looking for”. Boasting a population of nearly 2000, and being in close proximity to Ionic’s Sudbury office, this partnership bodes well for both parties.

The two organizations hope to work together to secure projects in mining, forestry and power generation. With a number of projects currently taking place on Sagamok’s traditional territory, like Victoria Mine, Totten Mine, Kidd AER, Vermillion-Errington and many more, this partnership is sure to benefit both groups for years to come.

Penguin ASI Takes Mining Automation to the Next Level – by Robert Spence (Mining Global – November 04, 2014)

May 4, 2015January 16, 2015

http://www.miningglobal.com/

Penguin Automated Systems Inc. is a leading research, development and prototyping company in the field of robotic & Automation solutions. The Company specializes in full service telecommunication enabling the transmission of video, data and voice for control of single or multiple robots and equipment in underground, underwater and space solutions.

First initiated in 2001, Penguin ASI offers a wide range of options in the mining, construction and exploration industries, providing wireless optical networking to underground GPS systems and inertial navigation for positioning. Penguin ASI uses a comprehensive approach to software development, systems integration and field testing to ensure leading edge technologies are supplied to manage all of their client’s needs.

By applying existing technology and inventing new ones, Penguin ASI is able to enable the creation of innovative solutions for challenging projects, allowing the Company to be a leading force in the Telerobotics field.

[Sudbury region] Transportation pioneer recognized for industry achievements – by Lindsay Kelly (Northern Ontario Business – January 12, 2015)

May 4, 2015January 12, 2015

Established in 1980, Northern Ontario Business provides Canadians and international investors with relevant, current and insightful editorial content and business news information about Ontario’s vibrant and resource-rich North.

In the Smith family, the “r” word is verboten. Patriarch Doug Smith, founder of Manitoulin Transport, is in his 80s, but retirement is nowhere near his radar. After devoting 54 years to building the company up from scratch, Smith maintains the same values and customs that have guided him through more than a half-century of success: modesty, hard work, attention to detail, and a nap every afternoon.

“To this day, his administrative assistant is required to sharpen about a half a dozen number 6 pencils each morning to be at the ready,” said his son, Jeff Smith, describing his father’s daily routine. “His other secret weapon is a bag of Oreos.”

For his contributions to the mining sector through his innovative solutions in the trucking industry, Doug Smith was inducted into the Sudbury and Area Mining Supply and Services Association (SAMSSA) Hall of Fame on Dec. 4, along with the late Paul Marcotte, founder of Marcotte Mining.

Born in Gore Bay in 1933, Doug has remained a humble, hardworking Northerner, never straying far from his roots. After a brief stint in Toronto working in banking following high school, Doug returned to his hometown to help with the family business, Smith’s Wholesale, which serviced general stores, grocery stores and service stations across Manitoulin Island.

Paul Marcotte acknowledged for mining contributions – by Lindsay Kelly (Northern Ontario Business – January 7, 2015)

September 5, 2018January 7, 2015

Starting out as a 20-year-old female in the mining supply and service industry, Alicia Woods would sometimes be met with skepticism by those who doubted her knowledge and questioned her place in the industry. That all disappeared when people learned her dad was Paul Marcotte.

“It was because of the credibility of the Marcotte name, and the respect that the industry had for my father, that made it easy for me to enter such a non-traditional role in the world of heavy underground equipment,” Woods said.

Marcotte, a founder of Marcotte Mining Machinery Services, was recognized posthumously by the Sudbury Mining Supply and Service Association (SAMSSA) with an induction into the Hall of Fame Dec. 4, along with Doug Smith, the founder of Manitoulin Transport.

Marcotte was born in Quebec, but grew up in Sudbury, and entered the industry with his father at Jarvis Clark before the family — dad Raymond and brothers Paul, Raymond, Pierre and John — forged out on its own with Marcotte Mining in 1979.

As business grew, the company went from repairing and rebuilding equipment manufactured by others to becoming a successful original equipment manufacturer (OEM), with the company offering new design and manufacturing options, Woods said.

Supply and services sector contributes 41K jobs: study – by Jonathan Migneault (Northern Ontario Business – January 5, 2015)

January 5, 2015

In 2011, Ontario’s mining supply and services sector contributed $3.9 billion to the province’s gross domestic product, and sustained around 68,000 direct and indirect jobs, according to a new study published by the Canadian Association of Mining Equipment and Services for Export (CAMESE).

CAMESE managing director Jon Baird said the study’s findings are historic, because economic contributions from the mining supply and services sector had never been studied to such a degree.

“Nothing was known, or next to nothing was known, about the economic impact of mining supply before this survey,” Baird said. The association partnered with PricewaterhouseCoopers to analyze questionnaires it sent out to 913 supply and service companies across Ontario.

The pan-Ontario mining supply and services sector economic impact study determined 41,000 people in the province are directly employed by mining supply and services companies, while another 27,000 people rely on the sector indirectly, as suppliers or service providers themselves.

Around 78 per cent of the companies that responded to the survey reported doing some business outside of Ontario, while 70 per cent of respondents did business outside of Canada.