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  • Pages
  • Editions
01 Cover
02 Welcome Letter / Sections
03 Article & Interview Directory
04 Section 1: Introduction
05 Introduction to Nevada Mining
06 Nevada Mining Assocation Interview
07 National Mining Assocation Interview
08 Environmental Protection
09 Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Interview
10 Nevada Division of Minerals Interview
11 Educating the Public is Key to Preserving Nevada’s Mining sector
12 Cyanco Interview
13 Solenis Interview
14 Industry Views: Amidst an Industry-wide Labor Shortage, How Can Companies Attract and Retain Talent?
15 Section 2: Production
16 Map of Main Producers
17 Precious Metals Production
18 Nevada Gold Mines Interview
19 Barrick Gold Interview
20 Newmont Interview
21 Fortitude Gold Interview
22 Kinross Interview
23 i-80 Gold Corp Interview
24 Coeur Mining Interview
25 Green Metals: Lithium and Copper Production
26 Robinson Nevada Mining Company (KGHM) Interview
27 Albemarle Interview
28 Section 3: Exploration and Development
29 A Vibrant Exploration Industry
30 Nevada Mineral Exploration Coalition Interview
31 AEMA Interview
32 Precious Metals Exploration
33 NV Gold Corporation Interview
34 Newrange Gold Corp Interview
35 Getchell Gold Interview
36 Nevada Silver Corporation Interview
37 Millennial Precious Metals Interview
38 Nevada Exploration Interview
39 Insights from the Explorers
40 Lithium Exploration and Development
41 Lithium Americas Interview
42 Ioneer Interview
43 Section 4: Engineering and Mining Contractors
44 A Hub for Mining Engineers
45 Kappes, Cassiday and Associates Interview
46 SNC-Lavalin Interview
47 Practical Mining
48 Forsgren Associates Interview
49 Underground Contractors
50 Small Mine Development Interview
51 Section 5: Equipment,Technology & Services
52 Equipment and Technology
53 Epiroc Interview
54 Cashman Equipment Interview
55 Komatsu Interview
56 Hexagon Interview
57 3D-P Interview
58 Industry Views: OEMs Have Their Say on Innovation
59 Drilling
60 Boart Longyear Interview
61 Layne Interview
62 American Mining Services Interview
63 Concluding Remarks
64 Section 6: Company Profiles
65 Cyanco Company Profile
66 Epiroc Company Profile
67 Kappes, Cassiday & Associates Company Profile
68 NV Gold Company Profile
69 SRK Consulting Company Profile
70 Credits

Michael Magnin, General Manager of US Minerals,

LAYNE

"Layne created an automated rod manipulator (ARM) system, which is a way to feed rods to the machine in a hands-free way on the coring side."

What synergies were created by Granite’s acquisition of Layne in the fall of 2018?

When Granite purchased Layne and its subsidiaries to increase its presence in the mining sector, the union made for a great fit thanks to shared values. Granite’s structured equipment management helped Layne manage our equipment as an asset and focus on the return-on-investment. We have also done some drilling work for some of Granite’s aggregate sites in Nevada, Arizona and California.

Can you tell us about Layne’s Mineral Services and the demand trends over the past year?

Layne’s Mineral Services headquarters is located in Chandler, Arizona, however, in 2019, we opened an office in Elko, Nevada, committing to our local presence and hiring people from the Elko community. We wanted to officially become part of this region instead of just coming in and drilling when the prices of minerals are high and leaving when times are tough.

Traditionally, we have drilled a lot in the copper market. When the copper market is low, Layne historically turns towards gold in Nevada. Both metals are doing well now, providing us with a better balance, which is why we are trying to be a key player in Nevada. Layne still has equipment for iron, which is ramping up after the impacts of the pandemic.

The recent increase in metals prices have led to a substantial increase in the demand for our services. The challenges are finding a labor force to meet the demand and handling the supply chain disruptions.

What occurs at Layne’s Drilling Technology Center (DTC)?

Layne’s Drilling Technology Center is located near Houston, Texas, in an area rich in drilling history and expertise. If our drillers find an issue with no solution already present on the market, we will bring this to our engineers at the DTC. Once they determine a solution, we work with a manufacturing company to fabricate the tool or part that will ultimately save time, injuries, or create efficiencies.

For example, Layne created an automated rod manipulator (ARM) system, which is a way to feed rods to the machine in a hands-free way on the coring side. The ARM was designed through collaboration between our engineering team and our drillers. While working on a better way to break drill collars with our existing rigs, we ended up building wrenches that work on three different styles of rigs, and everything is hands-free so that no pipe wrenches are involved. Two of these wrenches are in engineering labs, and one is already built and on rigs.

Have you noticed an increase in the adoption of automated technology for drilling services?

We have not seen a large trend towards automated technology. We operate in remote and often harsh environments, though every hole and every site are a bit different. With so many variables, it is almost counterproductive to turn to automation. The industry could get there one day, but right now, the only real automated technology I have seen take off is rod-handling systems.

Since coming to Nevada, what clients has Layne served?

NGM is now one of our main customers, and we have worked at their Phoenix Mine and Long Canyon Mine, to name a few locations. We have also worked extensively with Kinross at Round Mountain. During the pandemic, we carried out some directional drilling for Coeur Mining’s Rochester mine.

How does Layne factor safety considerations into its operations?

Safety is Layne’s main focus. We have a strong health and safety team, including a committed member in Nevada. Our managers, supervisors, and health and safety representatives frequently visit crews onsite. Everybody has an app for conducting and logging site inspections, and we take the time to correct any negatives that arise. A safe company is a profitable company, so it pays dividends to focus on safety.

As Layne continues to grow, where will it focus its attention?

Layne’s vision is to build responsibly. Right now, there is significant demand for our services, but we will not rush this growth as we take the time to hire qualified people and train them in-house. We have enough equipment, so it really is about responsibly building up our workforce. Layne continues to strive to be professional and safe at all times.

Next:

Interview: American Mining Services