Photo: Jerry Garry (centre), Andrew Gunua (right) and Simberi mine engineer Naomi Gamoga taking a look at the mine pit which is exhausting its oxide ore. Credit: PNG Chamber of Mines and Petroleum
The Mineral Resources Authority (MRA) has commended St Barbara for the application of modern technology in the safe operation of its Deep-Sea Tailings Placement pipeline and in its fleet of heavy equipment at its Simberi mine.
MRA Managing Director Jerry Garry, who visited Simberi mine for the very first-time last week, was particularly impressed with the use of geotagging in the monitoring of the DSTP line and the In-Vehicle Monitoring System (IVMS) which records operator activity in the equipment.
Mr Garry said the improvements were indicative of the mine moving beyond compliance requirements to values-based commitments as it transitions from oxide mining to sulphides.
The installation of the geotagging system on Simberi’s DSTP pipeline means exact coordinates can be transmitted while the IVMS – which includes a camera unit, vibrating seat cushion and warning lights – is monitoring operator/driver activities and identifying unsafe behavior.
Mr Garry, who was accompanied by his Executive Manager Development Coordination Andrew Gunua, took a tour of Simberi’s pit - where he was fascinated by the use of the three-kilometre rope conveyor in ore delivery to the process plant - before visiting a range of community projects built under St Barbara ‘Stronger Communities’ commitment.
Messrs Garry and Gunua also toured the Simberi cocoa nursery - the source of the current Tabar dark chocolate that is being trialled and enjoyed in New Ireland - and were impressed with Simberi’s mariculture initiatives which include coral and mangrove propagation and growing of giant clams.
The duo also visited the Simberi Primary School, community markets, and Maragon Clinic - facilities that derived from partnerships between St Barbara, Simberi Mining Area Landowner Association, and the New Ireland Provincial Government.
They commended Simberi management for striving to embed a high performing safety and social responsibility culture in the operation.
Article courtesy of PNG Chamber of Mines and Petroleum
