Engineering and Mining Journal - Whether the market is copper, gold, nickel, iron ore, lead/zinc, PGM, diamonds or other commodities, E&MJ takes the lead in projecting trends, following development and reporting on the most efficient operating pr
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O P E R AT I N G S T R AT E G I E S A truck emerges from the development adit at MMG's Dugald River zinc project in Queensland, Australia. Mine Development Record at Dugald River Mine development for MMG Limited's Dugald River project continues to progress ahead of schedule, bolstered by what is believed to be a new world record for mine development. www.e-mj.com Barminco, a specialist underground hard rock mining contractor engaged by MMG to conduct the Dugald River mine development, said it used a single twin boom jumbo and in-cycle shotcrete to advance mine development 700.4 m during April. This is almost 100 m more than what is believed to be the previous record for single jumbo mine development—a 603.1-m monthly advance by the Barminco joint venture AUMS in Africa. MMG is prioritizing mine development during 2013 as it works to optimize operating plans for the Dugald River project. Barminco was awarded a multi year contract for mine development and other works in February 2012. Surface works, including bulk earthworks, are also under way as part of Dugald River development. MMG's Dugald River project is based on one of the world's largest known undeveloped zinc deposits, located about 65 km from Cloncurry. The project is on track to deliver the first shipment of Dugald River concentrates during the fourth quarter of 2015. Barminco was established in 1989 in Kalgoorlie, Western Australia, and now provides services in all facets of underground mining in Australia and internationally. According to the company, its fleet of 350 major mechanized equipment units is the largest single company-owned fleet of underground mechanized equipment in the world. JUNE 2013 • E&MJ; 151