July 2003
Volume No. 389
IRON CHRONICLE
THE YEAR IN REVIEW
In the year ending June 2003, Iron Ore and Boodarie Iron
have once again delivered a solid business performance.
I would not be surprised if readers felt a sense of déjà vu with these
comments. They reflect the comments I have been making about our
business for some time now.
Boodarie Iron Production (tonnes)
Graeme Hunt President
The expanding demand for iron ore across the globe continues to provide a window of opportunity
for our business reminiscent of the growth period in the 1960s, when our business was built. We
have been successful in YEJ03, but the challenge remains to capitalise on this further in YEJ04.
PERFORMANCE SUMMARY
The table below summaries our business performance over the past financial year.
BUDGET
ACTUAL
CHANGE
11 CIFR 2
6.6 CIFR
- 40.0%
Classified injuries 1
Iron Ore Sales 3
73.6 mwt
80.3 mwt
+ 9.1%
Iron Ore Railed
77.5 mwt
77.7 mwt
+ 0.3%
Boodarie Iron Sales
1.82 mt
1.57 mt
- 13.7%
Boodarie Iron Production
1.77 mt
1.67 mt
- 5.6%
Notes
1 Classified Injury Frequency Rate
2 Stretch target
3 Excludes DES shipments
continued page 4
Lost Time Injury Frequency Rate
(12 month rolling average)
Shipments (million wet tonnes)
MARBLE BAR LURES HEDLAND PEOPLE
The annual Marble Bar races and ball are always well patronised by Port Hedland residents and 2003’s event was no exception.
The day is a significant tourist attraction in the Pilbara and this year drew a large number of both Iron Ore and Boodarie Iron employees to the town to kick up their heels.
Annual visitor Roger Richardson has attended the races for over three decades.
“Its always a great event not only for local Marble Bar residents but for people across the State,” he said.
“They are drawn to the lure of the races and the social activities across the weekend in a real outback setting.”
Richard O’Connell, Mark Swinnerton, Regina Stene and Gemma Rapson
enjoying the Marble Bar masquerade ball.
Jamie Fisher and Matt Newcombe giving John Elliott a few pointers on horse racing in the
Pilbara
Boodarie Iron - Finucane Island - Nelson Point - Yarrie - Yandi - Area C - Newman - Perth
Iron Ore
IRON CHRONICLE
GENERAL NEWS
PAGE 2
Connecting Customs for greater control
The Australian Customs Service will be substantially upgrading its services in
the North West, thanks to BHPBIO.
Low dust levels around
Whaleback
Dust levels were at an all time low
around Newman recently with only one
higher reading due to activities
unrelated to mining.
By using existing optic fibre cabling through
the subterranean tunnel, Customs will bring
new Closed Circuit TV (CCTV) cameras on
line on Finucane Island. This has resulted in
a significant capital saving to Customs.
Minister for Justice and Customs, Senator
Chris Ellison visited Port Hedland recently to
offer his thanks and gratitude to BHPBIO for
providing infrastructure to Customs.
Senator Ellison indicated that CCTV
coverage is an important element in Customs
capability to secure the port against threats.
“The cooperation of BHP Billiton is a leading
example of the Customs-business partnership
which is strengthening border protection in
the Pilbara,” he said.
A/Vice President Ports, Bob Goodwin being
interviewed by GWN Television regarding
infrastructure for Customs.
Around 800 bulk carriers arrive in Port Hedland
each year and it is among the ten busiest ports in
Australia.
BHPBIO has been a member of the Customs
Frontline program for some time. It is a program
which brings industry and Customs together to
protect Australia’s borders.
As a member of Frontline, BHPBIO staff receive
training to identify suspicious border activities and
also to review our own security arrangements.
Customs would like to acknowledge the support
from Roger Richardson, Mark Frost and Lloyd
Jones from Shipping for playing an integral role in
this initiative.
As part of the Company’s ongoing
commitment to the environment, BHP Billiton
Iron Ore has been carrying out air quality
monitoring in and around its Mt Whaleback
mine site since 1998.
The program consists of seven High Volume
Air Samplers (HiVols) located near the mine
and around the Newman township. The
HiVols are designed to draw air through a
filter paper at a known constant rate over a 24hour period, and are run every six days, all
year round, as recommended by the Australian
Standards.
Collected dust is weighed to determine the
concentration in the air.
The objective of this monitoring is to detail the
dust levels near the mine site and the Newman
township and determine whether the mining
activities of BHPBIO are impacting on the
local community.
Environmental Superintendent Wendy Howell
said the original locations of the sampling
machines were chosen to give the best result
and provide easy access. They are in
permanent locations so that recorded data can
be compared and a verifiable data base
established.
“Most of the machines are located out towards
the highway and the airport, allowing us to
monitor any dust generated by both
Whaleback and Orebody 23/25 operations,”
Wendy said.
“One machine, located so as to provide
baseline data by recording any naturally
occurring dust in the air, will allow us to
measure what is produced by mining and what
is not.
“The machines are very sensitive and record
everything, including animal activity (like
cattle) and dust from earthworks in the area.
Our monitoring has shown that if the standard
has been exceeded it has been due to these
other activities, rather than our mining
operations.
“From January to March 2003 only one TSP
(Total Suspended Particulates) guideline was
exceeded, outside the Newman airshed and
unrelated to BHPBIO’s mining activities.
Some heavy rains in January led to an overall
decline in ambient dust levels within the
Newman airshed following the higher dust
levels experienced during the drier weather
from October to December 2002.
Senator Ellison recognising the support
provided by BHPBIO.
Ore shipments grow
Dean Dalla Valle watches on as the NSS Confidence leaves Port Hedland harbour with its
record-breaking shipment.
BHPBIO has broken its previous
shipping record with 80.6million tonnes
of iron ore shipped from Port Hedland
in the year to June 30. The record
broken was 71.3 million tonnes shipped
in the year to June 2002.
The NSS Confidence departed Port Hedland
Harbour on Sunday 29 June at 8:30am under a
cloudy drizzling sky headed for Japanese steel
mills.
To the many onlookers standing in the BHP
Billiton Marapikurrinya Park the departing ship
was just another of the increasing number using
the harbour however the moment was a
significant milestone for the company.
Vice President Dean Dalla Valle who was there
to watch the vessel help break the 80 million
tonne mark said, the new record is a result of
the enormous work performed by employees at
the mine, rail and the port.
“From the worker driving the haul truck, to a
rail maintenance crew fixing sleepers down
track and a worker replacing rollers on a
conveyor, everyone played a part.
“Breaking the 80 million tonne mark helps us
realise that previously unthinkable targets can
be achieved. The next challenge is to head
towards 100 million tonnes.
“I’m certain we can make it if we all continue
to improve our performances and work as a
united team.
“We all should be extremely proud of what we
have achieved,” he said.
As shown in the February 1999 Chronicle, then Environmental Officer Wendy
Howell and Environmental Assistant (now Environmental Technician) David
Kaljuste collect data from the two types of High Volume Air Monitors located south
of Mt Whaleback.
Fortune meets Hedland on maiden voyage
Last month’s busy shipping
round saw the departure of
the NSS Fortune’s maiden
voyage from Port Hedland.
NSS Fortune is the sixth and last
in the current program of new
vessels for Nippon Steel
Shipping. To celebrate the
voyage, a morning tea was held
on board where BHP Billiton Iron
Ore and Nippon Steel exchanged
commemorative gifts.
(L-R) Vice President Ports
Dean Dalla Valle, with
Nippon Steel’s Chief
Engineer T Ono, Director
Osamu Nagano and
Captain S Yasutake.
The 290 metre long vessel
NSS Fortune on its maiden
voyage.
In 2003, Environmental Superintendent Wendy Howell discusses the operation of
another HiVol Sampler north of Mt Whaleback with Environmental Officer Samantha
Morley.
Boodarie Iron recycles Flight
Separator Fines
On the back of successfully recycling Remet to the reactor plant feed,
Boodarie Iron has been searching for a way to recycle Flight Separator
Material.
Flight Separator material is generated in the briquetting section of the plant and consists of
DRI fines and briquette chips.
Normally most of this material is recycled by the bucket elevators for re-pressing. However
operating difficulties with the bucket elevators have resulted in a stockpile of approximately
165,000t of Flight Separator material.
Most of this is a suitable size to feed to the reactors as an alternative to Remet; the remainder
is oversize and is screened out and can be sold as briquette chips.
Following test work by Newcastle Technology Centre confirming the suitability of the
material to be fed to the FINMET process, a plant trial was conducted during February.
The trial in partnership, with the Technology and Development Department, involved testing
the ability of the plant to process increasing amounts of Flight Separator Fines up to a
maximum of 15 percent. The trial was a success.
A consumption strategy is now being developed to ensure that all the stocks of Remet and
Flight Separator Fines are used on the plant.
IRON CHRONICLE
GENERAL NEWS
Football Update
The annual Telstra Countrywide Challenge football match was held recently
between Newman and Fortescue leagues.
The main game was won by Newman, while in the warm up match Jigalong defeated the
Newman Colts.
The Jigalong team travelled in to town at short notice, on a bus provided by BHPBIO,
following the inability of the Tom Price Colts to attend the competition.
The main match was followed by the presentation of Charlie Salmon Medal to Newman’s
fairest and best player, Andrew Host.
The medal is in honour of Charlie Salmon, who died in June 2000, while umpiring a local
football match on the Capricorn Oval. Charlie was very well respected across the Pilbara,
particularly in the Newman and Tom Price communities, and dedicated a significant amount of
his time to all aspects of football.
Chris Salmon presented the annual “Charlie Salmon Medal” to Newman’s fairest and
best player, Andrew Host at Saints Clubrooms.
Finucane plant crew learn
from mine
A recent visit to the Yarrie and Nimmingarra mine sites by the Finucane Island
Beneficiation Plant Crew has been seen as a significant step forward in employees
better understanding the part they play in the BHP Billiton Iron Ore business.
Leading the day’s tour was Maintenance Improvement Coach, Rick Hockey.
“The idea of a tour was generated by the team and strongly supported by Peter Priestly,
Superintendent Maintenance on Finucane Island Once Peter got the go ahead, the enthusiasm for
the trip grew,” he said.
The visit included touring the Yarrie pit and understanding the challenges, such as managing ore
sizes and dewatering, which are faced by the mine teams.
“Better understanding the jobs on the mine provided an insight that is difficult to grasp over a
telephone or through an email. The trip back was filled with enthusiastic discussion on just what
goes on at the mine.
“The benefit of team building shouldn’t be overlooked either. Having the opportunity to get to
know each other was appreciated by all involved,” Rick said.
The crew in front of Nimmingarra train loading facility (from left) Ahmad Morshid, Abdul
Colin, Gary Annal, Andrew McLean, Omar Ridwan, Nick Mladenovic, Alan Pickles, Sid
Arripin, Paul Rafferty, Peter Priestly, Rusdu Kalzee, Matthew Fry, Jessica Cowe, Abdol
Kalzee, Eric McInnes and Rick Hockey.
PAGE 3
Orange hard hats all ‘round
From 1 July 2003 all Nelson Point and Finucane Island employees will receive
brand new orange hard hats.
With hard hats having a life span of only two years it is crucial replace retired hard hats across site
regularly.
Environmental Officer Chris Serginson said the issuing of new hard hats across site provided an
excellent opportunity to recycle the old hard hats all at one time.
“Instead of the hats ending up in landfill, the old hard hats will be sent to a plastics recycling
company in Perth called SARPOL, which will melt down the plastic and use it to construct items
such as bollards and fence posts.”
Once employees have received their orange hard hat, they are asked to recycle their old hard hat by
placing it in one of the recycling skip bins. The bins are marked “Hard hat Recycling Only” and
have been placed at the following locations:
•
Finucane Island, behind the First Aid building
•
Nelson Point, in front of Shift Operations
•
Nelson Point, TCB1 Sample Prep
•
Nelson Point, main carpark in front of Loco Overhaul Workshop
•
Nelson Point, washbay near Vehicle Maintenance Workshop
Alternatively, old hard hats can be stockpiled in work areas and collected by Cleanaway. To
arrange this please contact the Cleanaway Site Coordinator on 0417 723 466.
All visitors hard hats will remain blue.
For further information, please contact
Mark Laverty on 9173 6764 or Chris Serginson on 9173 6623.
2nd year Mechanical Apprentice Sally McIlrath modeling a blue visitors hard hat and 3rd
year Electrical Apprentice Justin Dhu sporting a new orange hard hat.
Refit for Shovel 23
Shovel 23’s recent
boom change was
completed ahead of
schedule and almost
injury free.
The Shovel, Mt
Whaleback’s largest, was
commissioned in 1987 and
is the only remaining
electric rope shovel on site.
It weighs in at about 950
tonnes and has a bucket that
can pick up 60 tonnes with
each pass.
The boom required
replacing due to the
The Shovel 23 boom replacement job nears completion. A
component hours and
loaded 240 tonne truck is used to adjust the saddle blocks
worn shipper shaft
for the dipper handles
bushes. It was
accomplished using a
refurbished and reconditioned boom from Shovel 24.
Mechanical Engineer Marcus Lang, who oversaw the job, said the good result was due to cooperation and planning.
“The replacement boom was at the Shovel Pad for a few months while we fitted in
refurbishment jobs on it around our other work, and when we had it ready to go, we liaised
with Planning and Mining for an appropriate window to take the machine out of production.
Mining also constructed the earth pad where we completed the job at short notice due to
another site becoming unsuitable.
“Some of the tasks on the replacement boom included replacing gearbox components, the
shipper shaft, boom foot pins, sheaves and bushes. The replacement of the boom was planned
to take a week, but we had the machine back to work two days ahead of schedule.
“All Field Maintenance
crews participated in the
preparation work for the job,
as well as personnel from
Mining, Electrical and
Crane Services, and it
wouldn’t have been possible
to achieve such a good result
without the co-operation
received from all.”
“Having said that, the B5
and B6 crews must be
commended on their
excellent effort in bringing
this job in ahead of time and
with only one minor first aid
injury,” said Marcus.
Working on the Shovel 23 replacement boom are (left to
right) Scott Bull, Des Fu (Terex Mining), Richard White,
Dave Cabassi and Chris Outram.
IRON CHRONICLE
GENERAL NEWS
PAGE 4
THE YEAR IN REVIEW
Iron Ore Sales Per Customer Country Year Ending 2003
Boodarie Sales Per Customer Country Year Ending 2003
Railroad - Locomotive Fuel Consumption
Ore Railed Per Mine (million wet tonnes)
continued from Page 1
SAFETY PERFORMANCE
Before I turn to our operating results, I would like to applaud all our employees and
contractors on achieving an exceptional level of safety throughout the year. We not only
achieved the stretch target established 12 months ago for classified injuries (11 CIFR), but
reduced them by half as much again (5.6 CIFR) and with much lower rates of severe injuries.
This continues a trend that has been established over the past 5 – 10 years.
This is an outstanding result and I would like to extend my congratulations to everyone across
the organisation. Our workplace has been safer in the last 12 months than it ever has in the
past. This is in no small part due to strong leadership on safety matters and a growing culture
of people looking after and caring for their colleagues.
As always, I deliver this message with caution. In the year just ended, there were 27 incidents
that had the potential for fatal results, such as heavy / mobile equipment accidents and
electrical shocks. Although this number of significant incidents is an improvement over the
past, it underscores the need for continued vigilance and commitment to working in a safe and
responsible manner.
OPERATING PERFORMANCE
In the February 2003 edition of The Chronicle, I made the following statement:
“It was extremely satisfying to report that BHP Billiton’s Iron Ore operations in Western
Australia set new operating records in the quarter. I hope these results bring a great deal of
satisfaction to you as well.”
I reiterate these comments for the full year results that we have just announced. The details of
our record operating performance are covered in the feature section of this edition. Right now,
I want to concentrate on the WHY.
I see three critical factors behind the results that we, in Iron Ore and Boodarie Iron, are
delivering for our owners and other stakeholders.
The single most critical factor that has driven our performance has been the surging global
demand for iron ore. The recent period of demand growth has been extraordinary, and our
forecasts indicate that this trend will continue in the short term at least. The main driver of this
demand is the growth in China, and we are making sure our iron ore products are able to meet
the requirements of this market, as well as our traditional markets, especially Japan.
Securing higher sales to China and other markets is critical to our long-term growth and we
must be able to demonstrate to these customers that we have capacity and the will to be a
reliable and flexible partner.
Over the past year, we have demonstrated this type of flexibility through innovation and new
practices across the business. We will need to continue in this vein if we are to capitalise on
the opportunities in the current iron ore market. In essence, we cannot remain shackled to the
pier, if we are to rise with the demand tide.
Second, there is no question that the business is performing a whole lot better thanks to the
improvement processes that we have introduced, using the Operating Excellence (OE)
framework as the driving force. Delivering the value from business improvement has become
more critical as the rising A$ means we get relatively less for our products.
Improvement projects are now delivering some $30 million in added value to the business and
I am committed to improving on this. There is an enormous amount of value to be extracted
yet, and this can only be achieved through greater integration with our daily business
processes.
I should point out that in Iron Ore and Boodarie Iron, we now have 10 accredited OE coaches,
which is equivalent to one-third of the 29 accredited coached across BHP Billiton globally.
This is a remarkable figure and one of which I am immensely proud. The expertise and
resources of these coaches (and those currently in the training and accreditation phase) will
assist the improvement projects deliver the value required to take us to the next level of
efficiency.
Finally, I’d like to recognise the commitment of our employees and contractors in assisting
the business to keep pace with demand. There is no doubt that the changes we have made in
recent years have been the catalyst for the impovements in operating performance at all levels
of the business. More than 75% of our employees are now working in a way that provides the
business flexibility to be able to respond quickly to meet rapid changes in market demand,
such as we are currently experiencing. I believe that the working arrangements we have
introduced have also led to greater job satisfaction and personal reward for effort.
For these reasons, over the past year we were able to stretch the capacity of our existing
operations to participate in this growth period and maintain our market share. Importantly, we
have also been driving an expansion program worth over $1 billion that includes a new mine
(Area C), a spur line linking with our existing railway and the development of a new western
stockyard at Finucane Island. This program will deliver additional capacity over the upcoming
months and enable us to meet the continued growth in demand that we expect to see over the
coming years.
The year ending June 2003 provided a fistful of challenges, not least of all the cyclone-induced
deluge in the early months of this year. Our ability to tackle these challenges and deliver
consistently good results is very pleasing and I look forward to delivering similar
improvements over the next 12 months.
In appreciation of the business performance over the past year, I have requested that an
appropriate memento be produced for all employees. This will be distributed to you over the
next month.
Thank you once again, and I look forward to announcing that we have further increased the
capacity of our business at the conclusion of the year ending June 2004.
Graeme Hunt
President
IRON CHRONICLE
GENERAL NEWS
PAGE 5
ASSET DEVELOPMENT PROJECTS UPDATE
OVERVIEW
Everyone at BHP Billiton Iron Ore and Boodarie Iron should now be aware of our
capacity expansion program that involves the development of a new mine, called
Area C as well as port and rail expansions to cope with increased throughput.
The authorised capital cost for these expansion projects is over A$1 billion, comprising US$213m
(100% terms) for Area C and US$351m (100% terms) for the product and capacity expansion,
otherwise known as PACE.
As you can see from the progress chart below, these projects have progressed ahead of schedule.
Importantly, they are also running according to budget.
The official opening of the Area C mine is due to be held on 30 October.
PROJECT SNAP SHOTS
AREA C
•
•
•
Plant and supporting infrastructure installation work is virtually complete.
Load Commissioning occurred on 21 July 2003.
Rehabilitation work is generally complete at the aerodrome, old bulk sample campsite and
access road.
Work on demobilising the Packsaddle construction village is due to commence soon.
•
RAIL
•
ADP PROGRESS
Project
Completion %
Plan
Actual
86.5
92.1
89.9
92.1
56.4
54.2
71.5
72.8
Area C
Area C Rail
PACE
Overall ADP Progress*
* see chart below
The bulk earthworks are now complete. Track laying is well advanced with all concrete
sleepers placed onto the formation, and steel laying past the half way mark.
Total of 3.3M bcm of excavation on the project with over 2.4M bcm drill and blast through
hard rock.
The Yandicoogina Creek Bridge is also complete and ready for traffic.
The BHPBIO mobile flashbutt welding crew is carrying out all the rail welding using their
new machine and have achieved excellent welding rates.
A new high speed turnout has also been installed at the Yandi Mine to allow the train from
Area C to maintain track speed.
•
•
•
OVERALL PROJECT PROGRESS (AREA C & PACE)
PACE
100%
•
•
•
80%
Current Plan
Actual
The structural/mechanical contractor at Nelson Point has successfully completed all major
shutdowns.
The construction of the new berth at Finucane Island is progressing to schedule.
The structural/mechanical contractors at Finucane Island have successfully mobilised and
commenced structural steel erection.
The erection of new stackers and reclaimer is progressing to schedule.
Erection of the shiploader is underway in Fremantle. It is due to be transported to the new
Finucane Island berth in mid October 2003.
The Finucane Island electrical contractor has successfully mobilised and commenced
construction.
The water supply upgrade contractor has successfully mobilised to site and commenced
works at the Water Corporation Port Hedland Pumping Station.
71.5%
72.8%
•
•
Progress
60%
•
40%
•
Planned Cumulative
Progress
Forecast Cumulative
Progress
Actual Cumulative
Progress
Current Plan Cumulative
Progress
20%
0%
Mar-02
Jun-02
Sep-02
Dec-02
Mar-03
Jun-03
Project Months
Sep-03
Dec-03
Mar-04
Jun-04
SAFETY
At BHP Billiton Iron Ore and Boodarie Iron, we have made a great commitment to the goal of
becoming not just the most efficient and profitable iron ore producer in the Pilbara, but also the
safest.
Achieving change that provides a safer workplace is a difficult, yet critical challenge, especially in
the context of our accelerated expansion projects.
The safety record of these projects, which is set out below, is enviable and sets a benchmark for
other projects to achieve in the future.
Classified Injury Frequency Rate
•
•
•
Area C
PACE
Area C Rail
ADP TOTAL
2.3
3.2
2.0
3.4
This record has been achieved by maintaining a focus on the foundations of our safety approach,
which apply right across the business:
•
Strong leadership and commitment to achieving zero harm to our people, which starts at the
top and goes right through the length and breadth of our workforce;
•
Safety management systems that are developed in collaboration with the workforce; and
•
Developing a more mature perception of hazards and approach to risk taking behaviour by
our employees.
The new shiploader is being constructed in Fremantle.
COMMUNITY
As part of its commitment to being valued by the communities in which we operate, the ADP team
supports LivingWorks to conduct suicide intervention and training programs in the Pilbara.
The LivingWorks program is designed to raise awareness of suicide and suicidal behaviours and
prepare the community to be able to engage and intervene with those at risk of suicide.
During the year ending June 2003, the program trained 135 people through 9 applied Suicide
Intervention Skills Training Workshops. More importantly, there were 18 known cases where
people who were suicidal were identified and treated through the program.
The ADP team has raised nearly $160,000 over the life of the projects, an outcome that everyone
involved should be very pleased with.
LIVING WORKS
Donations for June
Port Hedland
•
Young Achievers Australia
•
Burrup Bouncers Skipping
Demonstration Team
•
HARTZ
•
•
South Hedland Bowling and
Tennis Club
Port Hedland Chamber of
Commerce
•
Hedland Tee Ball Association
•
Youth Involvement Council
•
St Cecilia’s Middle School
•
South Hedland Junior Football
•
Port Hedland Primary School
•
St John’s Ambulance
•
Port Hedland Junior Cricket
Association
•
Newman Campdraft & Rodeo
•
Port Hedland Regional Hospital
•
Newman Community Centre
•
Boodarie Bowls
•
Electrical Expo
•
Matt Dann Cultural Centre
•
WA Police Legacy
Newman
PAGE 6
Training awards build futures
Graduating mechanical apprentice
Mathew Wheeler was named
BHPBIO 2003 Apprentice of the Year
at the Apprentice and Clerical
Awards held at the Cooke Point
Recreation Club during June.
In a new addition to the apprentice Awards,
Leila Pattison was recognised for her
outstanding achievement with the Clerical
Trainee of the Year Award.
Awards were also presented to individual
apprentices as formal recognition of their
high level of achievement and performance
throughout the year.
Candidates were assessed on areas such as
level of skills knowledge, attendance records,
rotation reports, commitment and dedication,
enthusiasm, attitude and college or trade test
marks.
The final results are as follows:
Best 1st Year Apprentice for 2002 Adam Drury
Best 2nd Year Apprentice for 2002 Jairus Angel
Best 3rd Year Apprentice for 2002 Remy Syed
Best 4th Year Apprentice for 2002 Glenn Edmonds
Overall Apprentice of the Year Mathew Wheeler
Encouragement Award for 2002 Glen Sadler
Encouragement Award for 2002 Andre Charlesworth
4th Year Achievement Award for 2002 –
Shaun Edmonds
The evening was well attended attracting
approximately 120 guests made up of those
nominated for awards, their friends and
families.
Dean Dalla Valle, Vice President Ports,
commented on the importance of investment
into the community because it provides
skilled young people who can help bolster our
local economy.
“I’m also extremely proud that BHP Billiton
are helping young men and women in our
community build their futures,” he said.
A special thanks is extended to the following
sponsors for making the night a huge success:
Rexcel, Coventry’s, Blackwoods Hardware,
Pilbara TAFE, Department of Training,
Apprenticeships Western Australia,
O’Donnell Griffin, New Apprenticeship
Centre, Inline Engineering and Downer RML.
IRON CHRONICLE
GENERAL NEWS
The Apprenticeship & Training Support
Network sponsored the new Clerical Trainee
of the Year Award
New apprentices commencing with BHPBIO
were formally recognised with the signing of
their indenture papers. These included:
Natasha Arnold
Raimie Ayat
Andre Blagotinsek
Tim Forbes
Ivan Knezovic
Colin McKie
Shaun Montague
Nathan Podmore
Steven Sclater
Kane Stocker
The successful 2003 Engineering Cadet
(Mechanical), Darryl Jones was also
congratulated and welcomed to BHPBIO.
Nelson Point welcomed the following clerical
trainees for 2003:
Evelyn Craig
Stephanie Hyde
David Kitaura
Kristy McMaster
Emma Mollet-Wright
Electrical and mechanical fourth year
apprentices were congratulated for their
efforts and success. These included:
Electrical apprentices:
Damien Barbi
Shaun Edmonds
Jason Browning
Mathew Stanley
Mechanical apprentices:
Mathew Wheeler (Apprentice of the year)
Glenn Edmonds
Robert Bertram
Kai Shanks (Left earlier this year)
Presentations were also made to the following
graduating clerical trainees for their
commitment over the past 18 months to
BHPBIO:
Shaun Cowe
Sally Denton
Amanda Foster
Leila Pattison (Trainee of the year)
Shaydeen Thompson
Safety pilot program for Hedland housing
Home electrical safety in BHPBIO housing will be upgraded in a pilot project which
is currently underway.
Over the coming year, 180 properties within Port and South Hedland will have improved electrical
circuitry.
Items to be upgraded include:
•
replacement of existing electrical switchboards with a new unit complete with earth leakage
protection (residual current device or RCD)
•
installation of smoke detectors and emergency lighting; and
•
installation of functional switches for stoves.
Current vacant and rental properties will be first to receive the safety upgrades. They will also be
included on the list of eligible improvements under the company’s Home Purchase Schemes.
Details of the arrangements will be notified to employees by the Housing Office.
“We are very proud to be leading the way in Australia by retro-fitting RCDs to our employee
housing. We have been retro-fitting RCDs to upgraded properties, but this project is a proactive
additional step to improve household safety,” said Manager Site Administration Services, Tim
O’Neill.
RCDs have been mandatory in new houses and when modifications are made to existing houses
since 1992. More recently it has included lighting circuits.
Functional switches on stoves are a requirement under AS3000, and provide the ability for the
householder to cut power to the stove in the event of an emergency. Hard-wired smoke detectors
are also becoming mandatory in new houses.
Personnel on the move -July
DEPARTURES
PORT HEDLAND (BHPB Iron Ore)
PORT HEDLAND (Boodarie)
Shayne Pettersen, Wayne Mascord, Production
Controllers. Gemma Rapson, Public Affairs
Officer. Lindsay Tynan, Track Technician.
Rory MacKinlay, Maintenance Technician.
Garry Baker, Crew Leader Gold. Jeffrey Tite,
Turnaround Coordinator. Kerrie Waldron,
Human Resources Administrator.
PORT HEDLAND (BHPB Iron Ore)
Edward Roberts, Rail Transport Coordinator.
Jeffrey Powell, Mineworker. Abbas Maswari,
Electrical Tradesperson. Luciano Pecoraro,
Stephen Clark, Engineering Technicians. Gary
Ahrens, Resource Coordinator. Andrea Healey,
Supply Officer.
NEWMAN
Tara Jones, Administration Assistant. David
Gerrard, Mine Geologist. Michael Hawkins,
Natasha Rutherford, Timothy Bell, Scott
Adshead, Catherine O’Brien, Ernie Hodder,
David Parke, Mark Reynolds, Timothy Hudson,
Mark Draper, Production Technicians.
PERTH
David Reid, Resource Geologist.
NEWMAN
TRANSFERS OUT
David Cartwright, Engineering Tradesperson.
Carolyn Jensen, Peter Jensen, Production
Technicians. Boris Jovanovich, Process
Technician.
David Daines, Mine Study Coordinator
(Newman to Perth). Matthew Carson, Senior
Planning Geologist (Yarrie to Perth).
Christopher Newman, Program Manager
(Newman to Perth). David Tibbles,
Communications and Monitoring Engineer
(Boodarie to NSW Dendrobium).
NEW STARTERS
PORT HEDLAND (Boodarie)
TRANSFERS IN
Randall Findlay, Conveyor Technician. Mark
Bushell, Emergency Services Team Leader.
Samantha Thompson, Joseph Stadler, Financial
Analysts. Bryan Hughes, HSE Advisor. Craig
Ibbs, Heath Parish, Maintenance Technicians.
Segundo Delgado, Senior Operations Engineer.
Akhilesh Khare, Shutdown Planning Team
Leader.
Christopher Allen, Business Analyst
(Melbourne to Perth).
Training method stimulates interest
Interested employees from Mt Whaleback and the Satellite Orebodies were
recently invited to try their hand at operating an earth moving truck simulator
with Immersive Technologies.
The machine was en route to an expo in Darwin, and the owners agreed to stop off at the mine to
give our operators and supervision the chance to experience the sophisticated technology.
The Australian owned and manufactured simulator is designed to safely train haul truck operators
in a workplace environment, without wear and tear on machinery, and avoids having to take an
expensive machine out of production.
BHP Billiton Coal operations share a simulator at their operations at South Walker Creek with
BHP Mitsubishi Alliance mines in Queensland. Ekati Diamond Mine in Canada and Escondida
copper mine in Chile also use them to effectively train operators.
Geoff Stocker watches while son Kane Stocker signs his 1st year Apprentice
Indenture papers in the presence of Dean Dalla Valle, Vice President Ports.
Mathew Wheeler (left), recipient of the BHPBIO 2003 Apprentice of the Year
award with presenter Clint Watson of Coventry’s.
Photographed in the operators seat of the simulator is Senior Production Technician –
Lloyd Shay, watched by Supervisor Operations Training - Geoff Green and Graeme
Rutherford from Immersive Technologies.
IRON CHRONICLE
GENERAL NEWS
PAGE 7
5 Year celebratory dinner at Boodarie
Boodarie Iron recently recognised their employees who had reached 5 years of continuous employment at the plant which
dominates the Port Hedland landscape.
Forty seven employees plus partners were invited to celebrate this milestone at a celebratory dinner at the Mecure Inn Port Hedland.
We would like to acknowledge the following employees on their tireless efforts over the last 5 years of continuous service at Boodarie Iron.
Barry Allen
Wayne Archer
Steve Attkins
Garry Baker
David Bercene
Benita Breslin
Graham Burton
Adrian Button
Kaye Cagney
John Cheape
Mark Cleaver
Colin Connelly
Allyn Cooper
Andrew Cox
Chris Dul
Tony Elliott
Christopher Englebrecht
Marcus Etto
Noelito Fabio
Bryan Goldsbury
Danni - Lee Grace
Bruce Grange
Paul Hannan
Chris Hart
Paul Hinton
Stephen Hubbard
James Keijzer
Simon Kingdon
Dougal Lamph
Peter Long
Onsite learning for St Cecilias
Earlier this term, St Cecilia’s Middle School students asked Nelson Point employees
to assist them with their Term 2 focus on “Our Community”.
The students were asked to study BHP Billiton Iron Ore to determine how it fits in to the Port
Hedland community. It was an opportunity for the students to get a sense of how the company
operates and gave them an insight to possible career options.
They applied the knowledge they gained from the company across all of their subjects including
Social Economics, Environment, Maths and Science.
The project commenced on 5 May with a site tour of Nelson Point and welcomes from BHPBIO
staff. During the project, employees were asked to assist by providing information in talks to classes
and by participating in group discussions.
At the conclusion of the five week project, the students presented their findings to their teachers,
parents and BHPBIO.
According to staff from BHPBIO the presentations were highly professional and the students were
commended for the effort and research that they put into their assignments.
Year 9 student Shakira Shaik who was involved in the project said she had fun learning about the
different roles at BHPBIO.
“I learnt about what the Occupational Health & Safety Officers do and what rules employees have
to follow. The project was much more interesting than working from text books because it was
something relating to our community and us,” she said.
Teacher Terri Van Zetten said the project was a great success.
“It was the first time the students and teachers had undertaken such a large integrated project.
“It was amazing to see students who wouldn’t read a sentence out loud in class two months ago,
present a well polished presentation to a room full of peers, employees, teachers and parents. We
are lucky to have a company in our community so supportive of the education of our children.”
Jim McNish
Shoena Messner
Glen Oliver
Mark Ontronen
Mark Palladino
Stephen Prior
Jamie Procter
Peter Razbocan
Sunil Rodrigues
David Ross
Brian Scott
Walter Stocco
Walter Tugby
Gavin Watts
Keith Wenban
Richard Whittaker
Stewart Wilson
BHPBIO funds Skatepark
The park, located on Mindarra Drive, Newman, is under construction at present
and is expected to be completed before the end of the year. Fundraising for the
project has been a joint effort between the Newman community, the Shire
(which will maintain the area) and BHP Billiton Iron Ore.
Vice President Mining James Shaw recently presented a cheque for $20,000 towards
the construction of a new Skate Park to Skatepark Committee Chairperson and
Manager Recreation & Sport Danielle Cooper (centre) and Committee Member Jacqui
Stutt.
Al makes 30 years on the job
Senior Production Technician, Al Jessop recently celebrated 30 years of service
in Port Headland with friends and colleagues of past and present.
During the presentations, the audience were captivated.
1978 was a good year
Celebrating his 25th anniversary in Redmont Accommodation Village this
month was Track Foreman, Joe Marevich.
Josip (Joe) Marevich joined the company in 1978 as a mineworker in the Hedland Track
Maintenance gang. He then became a motor vehicle driver until 1979 when he was
promoted to Thermit Foreman.
During 1983 Joe was
appointed Foreman of Thermit
4 (welding gang) at Newman.
After 11 years in the position
he was promoted to Track
Foreman – Newman before
being transferred to Track
Foreman – Redmont in 1997
where he remains until now.
Whilst in Redmont for a
meeting with IO Vice
President, Graeme Hunt
celebrated the anniversary
with Joe and his workmates.
Joe thanked BHPBIO for the
job opportunity and declared
that it was more rewarding
than driving trucks around
Perth.
Congratulations Joe on
Joe Marevich receives his watch and certificate from
reaching this milestone.
Graeme Hunt.
Al enjoyed reminiscing over morning tea about the early days with the company. He proudly
highlighted his time in A-Shift Operations and their achievement of 22 consecutive years with no
lost time injuries.
“The only reason this record was achieved was because of the team work – guys working
together for a common goal,” he said.
He went on to say that he’d enjoyed working for BHPBIO.
“One thing I can say about Port Hedland is that it’s a great community with great people.”
Al was congratulated by Manager Port Operations, Paul Donaldson.
“Al is viewed as a true gentleman who has a strong commitment to both work and the
community,” he said.
“Thirty years is truly a remarkable achievement and we look forward to Al’s contribution in the
future.”
Al’s commitment to the Port Hedland community is evident by his role as President to the local
RSL.
Manager Port Operations, Paul Donaldson congratulates Al Jessop.
GENERAL NEWS
PAGE 8
Pub to port for charity
The 33rd annual Black Rock Stakes ran
recently with BHPBIO team 10
Megahurts once again featuring as
strong contenders.
With the 5:36:14 overall record under their belt
since 2001, 10 Megahurts unfortunately fell
short of breaking their record this year coming
in at 5:48:00.
Commencing the race in high spirit at the Whim
Creek start line chanting “Eye of a Tiger”, an
overwhelmed 10 Megahurts crossed the Wedge
Street finish line bearing sore limbs, although
thrilled to finish the race for another year.
Perth based team Oresome Power attempted to
snatch the record on the day, but fell short by
just under two minutes. However, they did
manage to achieve a new mixed team record.
Asked what makes them fill a wheelbarrow
with 11kg of iron ore, and run for six hours
through 120km of Australia’s hottest country,
here is what 10 Megahurts said;
“Charity, madness and a desire to try
everything at least once!” said Rachel Curry.
“The race itself is horrible, grueling, tiring
(mentally and physically) but the fundraising
for the charity, backed by tradition and Mr
Walsh (founder of Black Rock Stakes) along
with the sense of achievement and absolute
relief after crossing the finish line make it an
unforgettable event,” from Ryan Harrington
And from Trina Yardley; “you may think we are
insane … but the feeling you get when you cross
that finish line is a HUGE sense of
achievement.”
10 Megahurts were the highest fundraisers this
year handing over a cheque for $5,100. Monies
raised through the event will be distributed to
local organisations during the coming months.
Congratulations 10 Megahurts for keeping the
tradition alive.
BHPBIO continues to sponsor the organising
committee and providing support vehicles to
teams competing.
Thanks must go to the major sponsors C & F
Boilermaking, Hedland Sheetmetal and Auslec
and the minor sponsors Blastworks. Geographe,
Trevelle Engineering, Excel, Blackwoods, J.K’s
Aluminium and Astute Promotions.
IRON CHRONICLE
Cricket camp prepares for Pilbara game
Twenty-four talented and
enthusiastic junior cricketers from
Port Hedland and Newman were
selected for the annual BHP Billiton
Pilbara Talent Camp in July.
During the four day camp the Under 13
players benefited from daily skill sessions
and specialist coaching by WACA Cricket
Officers Joe Sarsero, Noel Knight and
Andrew Dawe.
The camp concluded with a hotly contested
test match, which also gave the parents the
opportunity to attend a Level One coaching
course.
This is the first time the talent camp has
been held in Newman. It has previously been
hosted by the Port Hedland Junior Cricket
Association.
The camp was organised under the guidance
of BHPBIO Junior Cricket Program Co-
ordinator Greg Haines. It is part of the
WACA talent identification and
development pathway and provides players
in Newman and Port Hedland the
opportunity to aspire to regional and state
levels.
Greg Haines said during the BHP Billiton
Iron Ore / WACA partnership, the number
of under 13s players had grown markedly in
both towns.
“Recently, NJCA President Grant Withers
and I organised two teams that visited Port
Hedland for inter-town matches. This augurs
well for both towns as they develop squads
for the Pilbara Championships, held
annually in the under 16’s age-group.
“The camp was a great success and the
WACA Cricket Officers commended the
players on their behaviour, attitude and skills
level shown during the camp,” said Greg.
The 10 Megahurts team
(from left) Ryan
Harrington with barrow,
driver Terry Burnham,
Andrew Shearing, Nicole
Plint, Rachel Curry,
Doug Yardley, Regina
Stene, Trina Yardley,
Gordon McLeod and
Mark Bray (absent are
Catherine Properzi and
Paul Hanley).
BHP Billiton Iron Ore Junior Cricket Program Co-ordinator Greg Haines, (third left)
with WACA Cricket Officers Joe Sarsero, (left) Noel Knight and Andrew Dawe, the
talented junior cricketers from Port Hedland and Newman and parents from Port
Hedland John Gibbons and Peter Harris (at rear).
Andrew Shearing takes
over from Doug Yardley
cheered on by 10
Megahurts (from left)
Jason Brooks, Regina
Stene, Gordon McLeod
and Paul Hanley.
Newman hosts Northwest Netball
The annual Northwest Regional
Netball championship was hosted
recently in Newman, with 392
participants from 28 teams.
Sponsors of the
10 Megahurts
team.
Doctor crosses the line
Company Doctor Martyn Flahive and
his wife Sandra ran in the grueling 89
kilometre Comrades Marathon in South
Africa recently.
The race began in 1921 and was organised by
Vic Clapham, a returned soldier who established
the event as a living memory to those who had
fallen in the Great War.
The direction of the race alternates each year,
creating the ‘up’ and ‘down’ runs, each with
their own set of challenges, not the least being
that the runners need to finish inside 12 hours or
they will be recorded as not finishing.
This year’s race attracted about 12,500 starters,
with around 11,400 finishing the run inside the
specified cut-off time of 12 hours. Martyn and
Sandra crossed the line together in just eight
hours and 53 minutes.
Martyn is a strong advocate for running as a
form of exercise, however, he acknowledges it is
not necessary to train as hard as he and Sandra
do to gain an improvement in general health.
“Recent studies have shown running promotes a
longer and healthier life. It has a positive effect
on general physical health, lowering blood
pressure and reducing the incidence of heart
disease and obesity. Walking is also known to
have good results, however the more vigorous
the exercise, the better.
“A good target to meet is 45 minutes to an hour
a day of exercise, five days a week. Running is
good, however you must have healthy joints so
it’s a good idea to be checked by a doctor before
you start an exercise program.
Company Doctor Martyn Flahive and wife Sandra cross the finish line of the 2003
Comrades Marathon in Durban, South Africa in a time of eight hours and 53 minutes. The
race follows a hilly 89 kilomEtres course from Pietermaritzburg to Durban and runners need
to complete the race inside the cut-off time of 12 hours or their efforts are unrecognised.
Results for the Newman Teams were –
Newman Under 13s - runner up.
Newman Under 15s - third.
Newman B - third.
Newman Masters - Runner up.
Newman A – third.
Newman Netball Association President
Tamara Dearlove said the championship
weekend went very well, despite the rain
on Sunday during the finals.
“This year more individuals were selected
for talent identification opportunities than
in previous years, and this is partly due to
the expanded partnership between BHP
Billiton Iron Ore and WA Netball, and also
to the efforts of the local coaches and
players.
“I was very pleased with the achievements
of all the Newman teams and would like to
thank all of those who were involved in
organising the weekend, including all of
our sponsors, particularly the Ministry of
Sport and Recreation, Healthways and BHP
Billiton Iron Ore for their support,” said
Tamara.
Newman Under 15’s team at the
Northwest Championships in Newman
recently. Back row (from left) Rachael
Houpapa, Jenni Cumbers, Tarian
Reuben, Skye Reuben. Meray Baramily.
(Front row): Katherine Evans, Regina
Nelson, Amy Downes, Sophie Tomalin.
Warriors win BHPBIO cricket premiership
Under blustery conditions at the
town oval, the South Hedland
Warriors came up against the Port
Hedland Bulls to decide who would
be the 2003 BHP Billiton Iron Ore
Junior Cricket season premiers.
The Warriors won the toss and elected to
bat, but the Bulls struck early to take three
quick wickets, before a match winning
partnership between Jamie Rasmussen
(24no) and Mitchell Williams (44no)
steadied the innings.
Further contributions from Aaron Neech
(33no) and Drennan Goodall who made 21
pushed the total to an imposing 186.
Waisea Emmitt was the pick of the Bulls’
bowlers and claimed 2/8 from his two
overs.
In reply the Bulls batted without ever
threatening the target, eventually reaching
105 off their allotted 24 overs. Bryce
Liddle batted well to make 20 and Mark
Lynch, Alan Cowen and Will Thomas all
made 14. Mitch Williams capped off a man
of the match performance to claim 2/3 and
Warriors captain for the day Michael
Rasmussen bowled a wicket maiden to
help his team to victory.
Back row L-R -Beaudee
Harris, Jamie
Rasmussen, Aaron
Neech, Mitchell Williams,
Kim Rasmussen
( COACH ) Jake Saville,
Jake Barrett, Nathan
Miller. Front row L-R Jason Gaugg, Bradley
Podmore, Michael
Rasmussen, Drennan
Goodall, Felix McKenzieRae, Heath Johncock.