Bishops 2019
Driving Diversification Bishops remains committed to propelling progress in the Pacific Islands via industrial enablement as a one-stop shop operator Writer: Jonathan Dyble | Project Manager: Donovan Smith The Pacific Islands are renowned as one of the world’s most dispersed, diverse regions. Home to a multitude of archipelago countries, comprising over 25,000 islands that span an area equivalent to around 15 percent of the earth’s surface, it’s a territory famed for exploration and adventure. This reputation is unlikely to change any time soon, owed to the geographic formation and unique cultural personalities of many of these outcrops that define such characteristics. However, in more recent times, some of the Pacific Islands’ more preeminent nations have equally begun to industrialise and modernise. Take Papua New Guinea and the Solomon Islands, for instance. Both traditionally agricultural economies, the pair have increasingly begun to leverage their natural resource bases in recent decades, be it the oil and gas industry in the former or the minerals industry through gold mining in the latter – a shift that Bishops has capitalised on since its formation in 1972. “In PNG in particular, with both major projects and smaller projects muted to commence in the coming years, the economic conditions will continue to improve dramatically,” Len Pianta (pictured above), the company’s General Manager, reveals. A quick glance at the World Bank’s national economic outlook shows that such predictions ring true, the organisation forecasting real GDP growth in PNG to reach five percent during 2019, primarily driven by increased production in the extractives sector. “With these projects will come a mini boom during the construction stages, followed by…
Looking ahead to Australia’s International Mining and Resources Conference and Expo
Australia’s chief economist reported in June that the nation’s resource and energy exports are set to hit a new record of $285 billion in 2019–20, before falling back in 2020–21.The increase in earnings has been driven by a spike in iron ore prices and a surging gold sector.The June quarterly report said thermal coal was facing a tough climate, with prices deteriorating, and predicted that gold would replace thermal coal as Australia’s fourth largest export in 2019-20.It also warned about uncertainties caused by US-China trade tensions.Against such a backdrop there has never been a better time to hear from some of the world’s foremost mining experts as they discuss global and Australian opportunities and challenges.In WA alone there are projects either under construction or committed to with a value of around $113 billion.Replacement iron ore mines, a planned LNG expansion and a buoyant gold sector are driving an increase in employment.At a time when the resources industry in Australia is enjoying a resurgence, more than 300 mining and resource experts will be in Melbourne this October for Australia’s largest mining event.Microsoft, BHP, Rio Tinto, Mitsui, Anglo American and South32 are just some of the companies that will discuss issues and trends including the opportunities that are attracting investors across the globe; leadership and trust in the digital age; critical considerations for doing business in 2020; what is affecting the global mining industry; avoiding digital disappointment; and getting the mix right in the mines of the future.FMG will discuss cyber threats and protecting data; the Minerals Council of…
CPC Engineering
CPC Engineering Hitting the sweet spot CPC Engineering, thanks to its agile setup and full suite of engineering and drafting expertise, is able to support clients across continents throughout the entire life of a mining project Writer: Tom Wadlow | Project Manager: Donovan Smith Australia has long supported the African mining industry. According to the Australia-Africa Minerals and Energy Group, there are more than 185 ASX-listed mining and other resource companies operating over 430 projects in 37 African countries. This amounts to an estimated footprint of more than $40 billion based on current and potential future investment. “At the moment there is no shortage of opportunities to work,” says Rod Davies, General Manager of CPC Project Design at Perth-based CPC Engineering, a company supporting a range of mining projects across multiple regions including Australia and Africa. “Companies are always trying to progress projects and expand plants, although a slowing impact both in Africa and Australia has been the sourcing of financing for such plans. The world is becoming more risk averse, but by February after the Christmas shutdown we tend to see investment picking up and we are starting to see those green shoots again.” The opportunity for Davies to join CPC, by his own admission, came out of the blue, but it was too good to turn down – the GM headhunted on recommendation from colleagues of his retiring predecessor. It is an industry he has always held a passion for, stemming from a young age. “I like big machines and how they do things, to put it simply,” says Davies. “I loved the idea of working…
Lineup of global speakers for Mining Investment Asia 2019 in Singapore unveiled
This annual event, with the primary aim of showcasing South East Asia’s mining sector to an international audience, is scheduled to return to Singapore from March 26-28.The speakers who have come on board to be a part of Mining Investment Asia 2019 include:Brian Leni, Founder, Junior Stock Review (Canada) (First time speaker at this event).Daniel Ornatowski, Board of Directors, Chief Investment Officer, IMP Minerals (Indonesia) (First time speaker at this event).Deborah McCombe, President and CEO, Principal Geologist, RPA Inc (Canada) (First time speaker at this event).Tom James, CEO and Founder, NR Capital (Singapore) (First time speaker at this event).Joyce Chang, Associate Editor, S&P Platts (Singapore) (First time speaker at this event).Tiur Henny Monica, Head of Legal, Blackspace (Indonesia) (First time speaker at this event).Michel Labrousse, Managing Partner, Mazarin Capital (Hong Kong).Hendra Sinadia, Executive Director, Indonesia Coal Mining Association (Indonesia).Clyde Russell, Asia Commodities and Energy Columnist, Thomson Reuters (Australia).Over the past four years, the high quality speakers assembled at this event have provided insightful regional and international perspectives, leading to Mining Investment Asia being recognised as the leading event in the region for global companies and individuals who wish to understand what makes South East Asia mining industry tick, and meet the key players in the region.In addition, what makes Mining Investment Asia special is the...Great networking opportunitiesHigh level discussionsOpportunity to understand and meet the relevant decision makers from the South East Asia mining industry.Andrew Heinrichs, Director of Strategic Venture Funds (Hong Kong) said: "Events like Mining Investment Asia helps to connect us with government investment promotion…
K92 Mining
K92 Mining has started to monetise the Kainantu Gold Project and identified major opportunities to expand production Writer: Tom WadlowProject Manager: Donovan SmithMining is a mainstay of Papua New Guinea’s economy. Despite facing challenges in the form of fluctuating commodity prices and challenging natural conditions, the sector continues to contribute around a third of the country’s entire GDP. Indeed, PNG is home to a diverse basket of minerals, including gold, copper, silver, nickel and cobalt, and has been increasingly exploiting these resources since the 1970s. The nation’s mining industry has piqued the interest of many investors, and there is room to expand further via large-scale projects. One such development is the Kainantu Gold Project, situated in the Eastern Highlands province around 180 kilometres northwest of Lae. Operated by K92 Mining since March 2015, it covers a total area of approximately 410 square kilometres and was previously mined by Highlands Pacific and Barrick Gold from 2006 to 2009. While infrastructure surrounding mines has proven to be a challenge of operating in PNG, Kainantu is well supported both in terms of on-site and regional access thanks to underground mine development, a mill processing facility, staff housing, a licensed tailings pond, office space, paved access roads and a reliable hydro supply via a dedicated power line. Going for gold This enabled K92 to begin commercial production in February 2018 through its opening at Kora North. The third quarter of 2018 saw production from the Kora deposit of 9,910 ounces of gold equivalent (AuEq). This was achieved despite having a period of three weeks in July when ore production…
Crypto Mining and Money 2018
Cryptocurrencies and the blockchain technology that underpins it are transforming the way the world does business. Crypto Mining and Money is a one-day summit, on 3 April, 2018 in Hong Kong, bringing together investors, crypto miners and providers of blockchain technology to discuss the business of crypto mining and mining pools.Featuring speakers such as Frank Holmes (US Global Investors CEO and CIO and Chairman of HIVE Blockchain Technologies), HongZhuang Lim (Founder of XSQ Pte Ltd.) and Jehan Chu (Managing Partner of Kenetic Capital); Crypto Mining and Money will enable investors and crypto mining experts to exchange ideas and learn how to capitalise on the blockchain revolution.Attendees will hear leading case studies from mining pools and crypto mining experts and listen to in-depth discussions of cryptocurrency regulatory issues as well as a detailed analysis of the underlying blockchain technology and its potential for the future.The one-day summit, which is co-located with Mines and Money Asia, will facilitate networking between investors and crypto miners; including roundtable discussions, a networking lunch and delegate cocktail reception.For more information on Crypto Mining and Money, to book or claim your complimentary investor pass please visit the website.
Mines and Money Asia
As the electric vehicle revolution continues to emerge, battery metals such as lithium, cobalt and graphite are seeing significant price increases, and metals such as copper and nickel have seen a new lease on life.Gold, precious and base metals; as well as battery metals that are driving the future of energy will be at the fore of the agenda at the upcoming Mines and Money Asia event set to take place in Hong Kong from April 3-6.As Asia’s largest mining and investment forum the event will feature more than 150 mining and investment leaders sharing their knowledge, experience and expert insights to more than 1,500 delegates on how they can best capitalise on the next mining boom being driven by the electric vehicle revolution and China’s Belt and Road initiative.Speakers such as China International Capital’s Research Department Managing Director, Hongyu Cai, Jinjiang Mining Fund’s Managing Partner, Biao Chen and Top Resources Group’s Managing Director, Norman Ting will delve into the opportunities that Belt and Road is creating for mining companies and investors; with a detailed discussion on infrastructure challenges, and timelines for rollout.Furthermore, the two-and-a-half day exhibition that runs concurrently to the conference will feature more than 80 mining and energy companies showcasing their latest exploration projects to more than 600 prospective investors. With exhibitors from around the globe and across the commodity spectrum including Nemaska Lithium, North American Nickel, Tirupati Graphite, Merdeka Copper Gold and many more.With last year’s event seeing more than 59 percent of attendees generating new business and 41.4 percent reporting to…
Caution to Investors Looking to Uranium
Investor, modern energy expert and author of ‘My Electrician Drives a Porsche?’, Gianni Kovacevic cautions investors looking to uranium.Mr Kovacevic, speaking ahead of his appearance at Mines and Money Asia in Hong Kong this April, said it is becoming more and more difficult to see serious long-term demand for the commodity.“There are 447 nuclear reactors and investors are always told about the 60 reactors under construction and the some-200 that are ‘proposed’ and ‘planned’,” he said. “What they usually fail to mention, are the 300 reactors, of the 447, that are more than 30 years old. Or, the 85 reactors in the USA that were extended, again, to 2034 as the cost to shut them down is so punitive. “India derives 2.1 percent of its electricity from nuclear and China about three percent. The facts have changed, and they are taking an all options approach, and that is looking less and less like nuclear as the big growth pillar even if they do some construction” he said. “That being said, we do need to produce uranium and if the producers of note keep that balance, there should be a margin for that product, because nobody in that business makes money at $25/lb Uranium.”Looking toward other commodities for investment, Mr Kovacevic stated that the future of all ground transportation is going to increasingly be electrified; cars, trucks, delivery vehicles, car sharing, taxis, buses and even more railroads are moving from diesel to electric.Mr Kovacevic said that lithium cobalt and graphite have become buzzword commodities but we need to see how…
Malaco Group
The Malaco Group is focused on obtaining key partnerships to further the development of the mining industry, while maximising shareholders returns in a sustainable manner Writer: Phoebe Calver More than ever it is becoming increasingly important for investors to find a sustainable business in which to make an investment, and with the help of advancing technology there is huge potential for businesses and investors to successfully collaborate.The Malaco Group’s main objective at present is to procure and develop the profitability of the Company through partnerships such as those mentioned above.At present the demand for raw commodities has been increasing, resulting in companies such as Malaco experiencing vast developments in the natural resource industry it operates within.“The demand that is especially noticeable at present is what first attracted our attention to invest in mining and lead to the establishment of MMSB in 2004,” begins the Company on its website. “Through this development for the Group, we began to undertake mining projects in the Asia-Pacific region and focusing especially on Malaysia and Australia.”Following on from the successful projects the Malaco Group has undertaken over the years, it has recently welcomed new astute investors and business partners into the brand to invest in its work moving forward.Malaco believes that in order to best achieve our corporate goals we need to operate according to the principles of sustainable development, that is, to maintain access to capital, markets and resources, and to run profitably.With thanks to its many years of experience within the industry, the Company has been able to formulate the following…
Indodrill
Indodrill is recognised and respected for its high quality and safe drilling services across Asia and further afield, collaborating with a wide range of clients across multiple industriesWriter: Phoebe CalverProject Manager: Donovan Smith Advancements within the drilling industry have been extensive during the past two decades, with thanks to a huge drive to make rigs more capable, efficient, easier and safer to operate.Indodrill was first established in 1995 - just as the mining industry was beginning to evolve - the Company initially set up operations as a core driller to service the Indonesian minerals industry.Within a short few years, Indodrill had grown its range of services to provide geothermal drilling services, as well as reverse circulation drilling services. 10 years into its journey, the Company made its first foray overseas in order to service a contract for Oxiana in Laos. “Since that point in time we have continued to expand at a rapid rate, moving our operations into Cambodia, Philippines, Malaysia, Myanmar and more recently Australia and Papua New Guinea,” begins Jason Lee, Chief Executive Officer at Indodrill. “Our first strategy in achieving this growth has been to ensure that we are able to maintain our standards of service in every new country we set-up in, and importantly make sure we’re able to deliver excellent performance to our clients.”“Alongside the technical advancements that we have been witnessing of late, there has also been a mass influx in developments on drilling techniques, supply chain management and safety and performance reporting.”Through the delivery and maintenance of safe and professional standards…
