Great mining: Vermiculite

Vermiculite can be new to our ear. What kind of a mineral is that? Vermiculite is a natural mineral that expands when exposed to heat. The expansion process is known as exfoliation and it’s frequently carried out in a great design for commercial furnaces. Vermiculite is formed by weathering or hydrothermal alteration of biotite or phlogopite. Large commercial vermiculite mines currently exist in Russia, South Africa, China and Brazil. Historically speaking, Vermiculite was first described in 1824 for an occurrence in Millbury, Worcester County, Masachussetts, USA. Its name is from Latin vermiculare, to breed worms in a manner that it exfoliates when heated.

Vermiculite occurs as an alteration product at the contact between felsic and mafic or ultramagnetic rocks such as pyxenites and dunites. It usually occurs as an alteration product between felsic and mafic or ultramatic rocks such as pyroxenites and dunites. Sometimes, it also occurs in magnesium rich limestone. Associated mineral phases include: corundum, apatite, serpentine, and talc.

The Discovery of Vermiculite

Vermiculite is a mineral ore that can possibly include asbestos as a harmful waste. In 1824, it was first found in Worchester, Massachusetts, however was not commercially mined until the year 1923. The ore is heated to exfoliate and to be formed into a substance after the process of mining and milling. Exfoliated mineral ore of Vermiculite is utilized mainly in supplies included in agricultural and horticulticural products. Other utilities of this ore are insulation, construction material, packaging materials, and others.

Rocks concealing or that contains the rich haul of vermiculite are dug from a huge open pit created in the ground. The mud on top of the rocks, normally termed as the overburden, is aloof with power shovels or the heavy machinery earth scrapers. The uncovered rock layers are later drilled with bulky drills that are powered either pneumatically or hydraulically, and the holes are crammed with the very volatile explosive charges. When every personnel and machineries have been relocated out of the blast or mining area, the volatile charges are then detonated in turn crumbling down the vermiculite rich rock bed. The resulting stacks of wobbly rocks are then later scooped up with power shovels and it is then dumped on to the trucks or train cars, which transports the ore rich rocks to a processing plant where the rocks are processed to separate the vermiculite ore from the rock.

Mining Careers at Gold

Gold Recruitment provides dependable, up to date, and pertinent career information and job description for aspiring professionals who are making the right decisions about their future career path.

Whether you are searching for detailed information on a particular occupation, our friendly website covers many popular careers throughout Australia mainly in the field of construction:

1.      Shift Maintenance Supervisor

We are looking for a qualified candidate who can work in the underground coal operations and associated works nestled in the Central Qld highlands, seeking an experienced Shift Maintenance Supervisor. As a credible Supervisor willing to stretch yourself to join an elite crew, you will be highly rewarded with a SUPERB PACKAGE + bonus incentives + meals & accommodation to reflect the importance and aim of this Shift Maintenance Supervisor role to coordinate teams of trained professionals and drive and maintain safety performance ensuring production and safety objectives of the mine are met.

Shift Maintenance Supervisor skills we need:

- results driven, min 3 years supervisory exp

- proven abilities in a similar position or equivalent

- mining exp essential, underground coal advantageous

- ability to drive active safety culture

- flexible attitude & professional work ethic

2.      Production Supervisor

As a credible Production Supervisor willing to stretch yourself to join an elite crew, you will be highly rewarded with a SUPERB PACKAGE + bonus incentives + relocation to reflect the importance and aim of this Production Supervisor role overseeing production activities, driving and maintaining safety performance. As Production Supervisor you will be responsible for Statutory Monitoring and Reporting to ensure production and safety objectives of the mine are met.

Production Supervisor skills we need:

- a strong understanding of open cut mining equipment & techniques

- proven abilities in a similar position or equivalent

- underground coal mining exp essential

- ability to drive active safety culture

- flexible attitude & professional work ethic

3.      Trade Supervisor

We are searching for qualified candidate who can work in the underground coal operations and associated works nestled in the Central Qld highlands, seeking an experienced Trade Supervisor. As a credible Trade Supervisor willing to stretch yourself to join an elite crew, you will be highly rewarded with a SUPERB PACKAGE + bonus incentives + relocation to reflect the importance and aim of this Trade Supervisor role to coordinate teams of trained professionals and drive and maintain safety performance. As Trade Supervisor your hands on approach in the coordination of others is critical to ensure production and safety objectives of the mine are met.

Trade Supervisor skills we need:

- results driven, trade qualified, min 3 years supervisory exp

- proven abilities in a similar position or equivalent

- mining exp essential, underground coal advantageous

- ability to drive active safety culture

- flexible attitude & professional work ethic

4.      Engineer - Development Overhauls Engineer

As an Engineer qualified in Process Control Systems willing to stretch yourself to join this elite crew, you will be highly rewarded with a generous package + accommodation options + vehicle allowance to reflect the importance and aim of the Development Overhauls Engineer role, to provide leadership in the application of safety and engineering management to maximize plant and equipment availability and the value of the mine.

As an experienced Engineer / Development Overhauls Engineer whose technical skills are complimented by proven leadership skills and management capabilities, ideally you possess:

- tertiary qualifications/equivalent in Process Control Systems

- demonstrable history in PCS role

- experience in contract & project management

- leadership qualities & exceptional communication skills

- strong problem solving & multitasking skills

- ability to work in high pressure & competing priority environments

- genuine commitment to safety & environment

- underground / open cut coal exp advantageous

Community Relations

What does a community relations professionals actually do in the mining site? Community relations professionals do manage the relationship between industry, governments, and local communities to establish and uphold harmonious working relationship between the governments, industry and local communities to establish and maintain relationships between stakeholders.

Community Relations professionals manage the relationship between industry, governments and local communities to establish and maintain harmonious relationships between stakeholders. The role can involve preparing submissions and reports, developing community programs and policies and encouraging community involvement in pertinent environmental, cultural and health issues.

·         Organise and chair community meetings, facilitate discussions and liaise with community groups, companies and other organisations;

·         Prepare submissions and reports for industry and government;

·         Monitor, evaluate and recommend changes to community policies, programs and practices, and

·         Encourage community participation in the creation of strategies for dealing with environmental, heritage and health issues.

·         Community Relations can also offer specialisation opportunities as listed below:

·         Indigenous Community Relations Officer

·         Indigenous Community Relations Officers liaise with Indigenous communities and mining companies in order to establish and maintain positive relationships.

·         Indigenous Community Relations Officers in the minerals industry may perform the following tasks:

·         Establish good communication between mining companies and local Indigenous communities;

·         Participate in the development of strategies to deal with disputes involving resources companies and indigenous communities;

·         Advise and educate company staff on cross cultural awareness, and

·         Improve community knowledge about mining activities and legal provisions.

·         Indigenous Heritage Adviser

·         Indigenous heritage and the indigenous people’s connection with the land requires sensitive consideration and is given high priority. An Indigenous Heritage Officer will ensure that areas and objects of cultural significance are identified and catalogued for conservation.

·         Indigenous Heritage Officers in the minerals industry may perform the following tasks:

·         Develop policy (for conservation purposes);

·         Liaise with indigenous communities;

·         Raise awareness and value of heritage issues, and

·         Develop indigenous heritage tourism and education strategies.

The NaCl on the Table

Salt is one of the most liked food seasoning or gourmet ingredient. It is also known as table salt, or rock salt. It is a mineral that is composed primarily of sodium chloride. It is essential for animal life in small quantities, however is harmful to animal and plants in excess; and is a dietary mineral crucial for animal life. To give you an idea, salt is one of the oldest, yet most ubiquitous mineral because it’s found everywhere else, and commonly used as food seasoning. Salting is an important method of food preservation. The taste of salt is one of the basic human tastes.

Salt for human consumption is produced in diverse forms: crude salt (sea salt), cultured salt (table salt), and the iodized salt. It is crystalline in appearance, basically white, it can even be pale pink or light grey in color, generally extracted from sea water or rock dumps. Whereas, salt for human consumption is produced in various forms: unrefined salt (sea salt), refined salt (table salt). Chloride and sodium ions, the major components of salt, are needed by all known living creatures in small quantities. Over intake of salt may increase health problems, including high blood pressure. However, salt is involved in regulating the water content of the body fluid, so it is advised to have a moderate use of dietary sodium.

Salt is not customarily used as a condiment in many East Asian cultures. Condiments like fish sauce, oyster sauce, soy sauce tend to have a high salt content and fill much the same role as a salt-providing table condiment that table salt serves in western cultures. However, the risk for illness due to deficient or excessive salt intake varies because of biochemical individuality.

Health Effects

Sodium is one of the main electrolytes in the body. Too much or little salt in the diet can lead to muscle cramps, dizziness or electrolyte disturbance, which can cause neurological problems, or death. Drinking too much water with inadequate salt intake puts a person at risk of water intoxication. Salt is sometimes used is a health aid, such as in treatment of Dysautonomia. When salt is used excessively, it may cause the following:

·         Stroke and cardiovascular disease.

·         Hypertension

·         Left ventricular hypertrophy

·         Heartburn

·         Edema

·         Duodenal ulcers

·         Gastric ulcers/cancers

·         Osteoporosis

·         Death

Salt intake, in fact, can be lessened by reducing the quantity of salty foods in a diet. Salt substitutes have taste similar to table and contain mostly potassium chloride, which will increase potassium intake. Excess potassium intake.

Salt intake can be reduced by simply lessening the quantity of salty foods in a diet, without any option to salt substitutes. Salt substitutes have a taste similar to table salt and contain mostly potassium chloride, which will increase potassium intake. Excess potassium intake can cause hyperkalemia. Various diseases and medications may decrease the body's excretion of potassium, thereby increasing the risk of hyperkalemia. Those who have kidney failure, heart failure or diabetes should seek medical advice before using a salt substitute.

Mining Careers at Gold

Gold Recruitment provides dependable, up to date, and pertinent career information and job description for aspiring professionals who are making the right decisions about their future career path.

Whether you are searching for detailed information on a particular occupation, our friendly website covers many popular careers throughout Australia mainly in the field of construction:

1.   Project Controls/Planning Engineer/Civil Engineer - Intermediate

A prestigious world class group has firmly established a standard of excellence within the industry and seeks an intermediate level experienced Planning Engineer / Project Controls Engineer / Planner to parallel the needs of a successful organisation as they undergo high profile mining expansion. With a demonstrable background in project controls, planning and / or cost control management your career will flourish as you contribute to the accomplishment of a successful high performance company rewarding as follows:

- generous remuneration - contract role, project duration expected 4-5 yrs

- Flexible FIFO Mon-Fri roster

- FIFO Brisbane, Rockhampton, Mackay, Townsville or DIDO Bowen Basin

- accommodation+meals+car+fuel+phone

- expanding career opportunities

- Central Qld location

Project Controls / Engineer / Planner position details:

- contribute to the management of Project Controls function, monitoring timelines & deliverables

- develop & maintain project schedules (P6)

- supervise cost control & project estimates (Prolog)

Ideal Project Controls / Engineer / Planner skills:

- proven abilities in project control, planning and/or cost control management, intermediate level

- 2+yrs Mining/LNG/Civil construction exp within Australia

- advanced skills in Primavera (P6 or P3) and/or Prolog

- exceptional communicator, forward thinker, self-motivated proactive approach

- demonstrable flexible attitude to compliment experience

2.   Longwall Mining Coordinator

We are searching for a willing candidate who can operate state of the art underground coal operations and associated works nestled in the Central Queensland highlands, seeking a Longwall Coordinator. As a credible Longwall Coordinator joining an elite crew, you will be highly rewarded with a SUPERB PACKAGE + bonus incentives + relocation to reflect the importance and aim of the Longwall Coordinator role - to coordinate production teams to achieve the annual forecast longwall tonnes within budgeted costs whilst maintaining effective health, safety and injury management practices and procedures, and to maximize and enhance the value of the mine.

Longwall Coordinator position details:

- coordination of longwall production teams, production plans & forecasts

- coordination of effectiveness of mining process

- assist Longwall Superintendent to develop, manage & achieve annual longwall production budget

Longwall Coordinator skills we need:

- proven abilities in a similar position or equivalent

- Underground Coal mining exp

- Mining and/or Mechanical background

- proven ability to coordinate improved work methods

- proven ability to coordinate statutory compliance & lead, advise & coach a team to success

- unwavering & demonstrable commitment to safety, the environment & the community

3.   Development Mining Coordinator

As a credible Development Mining Coordinator willing to stretch yourself to join an elite crew, you will be highly rewarded with a SUPERB PACKAGE + bonus incentives + relocation to reflect the importance and aim of the Development Mining Coordinator role, to plan and coordinate Mining activities in the Development Department, and to maximize and enhance the value of the mine.

Development Mining Coordinator position details:

- supervise & lead teams ensuring peak safety performance & teamwork

- ensure statutory compliance standards & production targets are met

- collect & record info re crew performance

- conduct u/g inspections & weekly audits

- updating technologies & initiate design improvements

Development Mining Coordinator skills we need:

- underground coal mining exp

- demonstrable success in a similar role

- proven relationship development, team orientation

- high regard for OH&S

4.   Outbye Miners

We are searching for a candidate who can work in underground coal operations and associated works nestled in the Central Qld highlands, seeking an Outbye Miner. As a credible Outbye Miner willing to stretch yourself to join an elite crew, you will be highly rewarded with a SUPERB PACKAGE + bonus incentives + relocation to reflect the importance and aim of this Outbye Miner role. Outbye Miner skills we need: - underground coal mining exp essential - demonstrable exp Outbye process work - high regard for OH&S

5.   Outbye Superintendent

As a credible Outbye Superintendent joining an elite crew, you will be highly rewarded with a SUPERB PACKAGE + bonus incentives + relocation to reflect the importance and aim of the Outbye Superintendent role - to coordinate the Outbye activities required to support the Development and Logwall operations, and to maximise and enhance the value of the mine.

Outbye Superintendent position details:

- management of Outbye activities, plans & forecasts

- management of projects for Outbye section & Outbye performance management

Outbye Superintendent skills we need:

- proven abilities in a similar position or equivalent

- Underground Coal mining exp

- demonstrable Outbye exp

- proven ability to develop & implement improved work methods

- proven ability to meet statutory compliance & lead, advise & coach a team to success

- unwavering & demonstrable commitment to safety, the environment & the community

6.   Outbye Mining Coordinator

As a credible Outbye Mining Coordinator willing to stretch yourself to join an elite crew, you will be highly rewarded with a SUPERB PACKAGE + bonus incentives + relocation to reflect the importance and aim of this Outbye Mining Coordinator role, to assist the Outbye Superintendent in the coordination of Outbye activities required to support the Development and Longwall operations, and to maximise and enhance the value of the mine.

Outbye Mining Coordinator position details:

- day to day coordination of outbye activities

- promote positive working relations & team orientation with all other coordinators

- assist in management of all projects for Outbye section

- assist in Outbye performance management - data research & recording

Outbye Mining Coordinator skills we need:

- underground coal mining exp (min 3 yrs)

- demonstrable exp Outbye process work

- relevant qualification - Mining

- high level of computer literacy, financial & budgeting exp

- proven relationship development, team orientation

- high regard for OH&S

7.   Project Controls/Planning Engineer/Civil Engineer - Intermediate

A prestigious world class group has firmly established a standard of excellence within the industry and seeks an intermediate level experienced Planning Engineer / Project Controls Engineer / Planner to parallel the needs of a successful organisation as they undergo high profile mining expansion. With a demonstrable background in project controls, planning and / or cost control management your career will flourish as you contribute to the accomplishment of a successful high performance company rewarding as follows:

- generous remuneration - contract role, project duration expected 4-5 yrs

- Flexible FIFO Mon-Fri roster

- FIFO Brisbane, Rockhampton, Mackay, Townsville or DIDO Bowen Basin

- accommodation+meals+car+fuel+phone

- expanding career opportunities

- Central Qld location

Project Controls / Engineer / Planner position details:

- contribute to the management of Project Controls function, monitoring timelines & deliverables

- develop & maintain project schedules (P6)

- supervise cost control & project estimates (Prolog)

Ideal Project Controls / Engineer / Planner skills:

- proven abilities in project control, planning and/or cost control management, intermediate level

- 2+yrs Mining/LNG/Civil construction exp within Australia

- advanced skills in Primavera (P6 or P3) and/or Prolog

- exceptional communicator, forward thinker, self-motivated proactive approach

- demonstrable flexible attitude to compliment experience

8.   ERZ Controller - Production Supervisor

As a credible ERZ Controller willing to stretch yourself to join an elite crew, you will be highly rewarded with a SUPERB PACKAGE + bonus incentives + relocation to reflect the importance and aim of this ERZ Controller role to oversee production activities and drive and maintain safety performance.  As ERZ Controller you will be responsible for Statutory Monitoring and Reporting to ensure production and safety objectives of the mine are met.

ERZ Controller skills we need:

- ERZ Controller Certificate of Competency

- proven abilities in a similar position or equivalent

- underground coal mining exp essential

- ability to drive active safety culture

- flexible attitude & professional work ethic

9.   Geologist - Mine Geologist

As a credible Mine Geologist willing to stretch yourself to join an elite crew, you will be highly rewarded with a SUPERB PACKAGE + bonus incentives + relocation to reflect the importance and aim of this technically authoritative Mine Geologist role, to provide technical support and effective geological interpretation and advice for strata control processes, and to maximise and enhance the value of the mine.

Mine Geologist position details:

- management of geological information for Surface, Outbye, Development & Longwall areas

- coal quality analysis & forecasting

- modelling, drawing, data input & storage

- hazard & cost management

Mine Geologist skills we need:

- relevant degree qualification - Science/Geology

- exposure to underground coal mining operations/software

- proven relationship development, team orientation

- highly focused, motivated, self directed

- high regard for OH&S

10.               Surveyor - Mine Surveyor

We are searching for a qualified Mine Surveyor who can work in underground coal operations and associated works nestled in the Central Queensland highlands, seeking a Mine Surveyor. As a credible Surveyor willing to stretch yourself to join an elite crew, you will be highly rewarded with a SUPERB PACKAGE + bonus incentives + relocation to reflect the importance and aim of the Mine Surveyor role - to provide accurate survey control to assist the Production Department to mine the required design, and to maximize and enhance the value of the mine.

Mine Surveyor position details:

- management of survey controls for Surface, Outbye, Development & Longwall areas

- Longwall production measurement & recording

- Mine Plan drafting

Mine Surveyor skills we need:

- relevant degree qualification - Surveying/Mine Surveying

- exposure to underground coal mining operations/software

- exceptional analytical skills & attention to detail

- proven relationship development, team orientation

- highly focused, motivated, self directed

- high regard for OH&S

11.               Longwall Superintendent - Thin Seam Longwall

As a credible Longwall Superintendent joining an elite crew, you will be highly rewarded with a SUPERB PACKAGE + bonus incentives + relocation to reflect the importance and aim of the Thin Seam Longwall Superintendent role - to lead the change management associated with the Thin Seam Longwall introduction to an already successful underground coal operation, and to maximise and enhance the value of the mine.

Thin Seam Longwall Superintendent role:

- change management process - intro of advanced longwall mining system

- coordination of intro of new system from outset of manufacturing

- critical member of team accountable for delivery & implementation

- lead, drive, develop logic to assist in continuous business improvement

- ensure statutory & corporate compliance

Thin Seam Longwall Superintendent skills:

- proven technical exp coupled with leadership capabilities essential

- Underground Coal mining exp

- Mechanical Engineering background

- S1, S2, S3 qualifications

- proven ability to develop & implement improved work methods

- proven ability to meet statutory compliance & lead, advise & coach a team to success

- unwavering & demonstrable commitment to safety, the environment & the community

12.                Longwall Superintendent - Production

We represent a multi national premium client operating state of the art underground coal operations and associated works nestled in the Central Qld highlands, seeking a Longwall Superintendent. As a credible Longwall Superintendent joining an elite crew, you will be highly rewarded with a SUPERB PACKAGE + bonus incentives + relocation to reflect the importance and aim of the Longwall Superintendent role - to lead production teams to achieve the annual forecast longwall tonnes within budgeted costs whilst maintaining effective health, safety and injury management practices and procedures, and to maximise and enhance the value of the mine.

Longwall Superintendent position details:

- management of longwall production teams, production plans & forecasts

- management of effectiveness of mining process

- develop, manage & achieve annual longwall production budget

Longwall Superintendent skills we need:

- proven abilities in a similar position or equivalent

- Underground Coal mining exp

- Mining and/or Mechanical background

- proven ability to develop & implement improved work methods

- proven ability to meet statutory compliance & lead, advise & coach a team to success

- unwavering & demonstrable commitment to safety, the environment & the community

Exploration Geologist

Geoscientists may specialize as a field or exploration geologist. They study the nature, the composition and the structure of the earth to increase scientific knowledge, locate materials and mineral, and direct the extraction of minerals, environmental protection of land after mining.

Geoscientists discover the earth’s surface and its resources of value, and usually work in an oil exploration. Geoscientist in the minerals industry may perform the following tasks: exploring specific areas of the earth to establish, studying rock core, cuttings and samples, studying geo-statics and sampling theory, undertaking ground magnetic and gravity surveys, undertaking ground magnetic and gravity surveys, examining specimens in the lab using x-ray, assisting in determining the economics of extraction, advise on geological suitability for structures, contributing to environmental assessment, using computers to integrate and interpret data, preparing mathematical models to describe processes, preparing geological reports, supervising and coordinating the work of field officers.

Geophysicists study physical aspects of the earth to determine its structure and composition, locate minerals or ground water and to detect, monitor and forecast seismic, magnetic, electrical and thermal activity. Moreover, an exploration geologist may spend nearly as much time outdoors as they will indoors. Outdoor work may include scoping out a sight and looking at rock formation on the surface, supervising the drilling process.  

Tasks performed in the minerals industry may include:

·         Conducting surveys of variations in the earth's gravitational and magnetic fields to determine its physical features;

·         Investigating the structure and stability of the earth's mantle and crust;

·         Studying the causes of earthquakes and other stress states of the earth's crust;

·         Performing laboratory and field studies, ground and drill hole surveys;

·         May supervise and coordinate the work of technical officers and technicians.

Skill Level for Geophysicists:

The entry requirement for this occupation is a bachelor degree or higher qualification. In some instances relevant experience is required in addition to the formal qualification.

A Sedimentary Rock Called Limestone

Limestone is a sedimentary rock composed largely of the minerals calcite and aragonite, which are different forms of calcium carbonate. The solubility of limestone in water and weak acid solutions leads to landscapes. Like most other sedimentary rocks, limestone is composed of grains. However, most grains in limestone are skeletal fragments of marine organisms such as coral or foraminera.

How does a Limestone look like?

 Limestone often contains variable amounts of silica or siliceous skeletal fragment carried by the rivers. The regions overlying the limestone bedrock tend to have fewer visible groundwater sources, as surface water easily drains downward through joints in the limestone. The primary source of limestone is commonly the marine organisms. These organisms secrete shells made of aragonite or calcite, and leave these shells behind after the organisms die. Some of these organisms can build a pile of rocks known as reefs.

In fact, in some locations where market conditions allow, limestone for collective is mined from underground mines. Mining is more costly than quarrying, the underground mining of mineral can be a mix of both economical and essential in some areas of the state. Some limestone is hauled out from many popular pits and quarries where nettle dumps and limestone bedrock are nearer to the ground surface. The mining process consists of breaking up the rock. And this breakup is done by detonating volatile set in blast holes. The rock face to be squalled is relatively 40-feet in width by 20 to 25 feet high.

Uses of Limestone

Limestone is commonly used in architecture, especially in Europe and North America. It is used in many landmarks across the world, including Great Pyramid, buildings in Kingston, Canada were constructed from it, that’s why it’s called “Limestone City’. On the island of Malta, a variety of limestone called Globigerina frequently used on all types of buildings and sculptures. The characteristic of a limestone is that, it is relatively easy to cut into blocks or more elaborate carving. It is also long-lasting and stands up well to exposure. However, it is a very hard material, making it impractical for tall buildings and infrastructures. In fact, limestone became popular in the late 19^th and early 20^th centuries. Train stations, banks, and other structures from that time are made of limestone. Moreover, it is used as a wonderful façade on skyscrapers, however, only in thin plates for covering, rather than solid blocks.

Many well-known buildings in London are built from Portland limestone. And limestone was also famous building block in the Middle Ages in the areas where it occurred, since it is tough, durable, and frequently occurs in surfaces. On the other hand, many medieval churches and castles in Europe are made of limestone. Another famous kind of limestone for medieval buildings in Southern England was beer stone.

Limestone also acts as acid-based cleaning chemicals. Many limestone statues and building surfaces have suffered severe damage due to acid rain. Acid-based chemicals can also etch limestone, which should only be cleaned with a neutral or mild alkaline-based cleaner.