ONE- STOP SHOP SUITS BIG RIGS
DIVERSIFIED mining and metals group South32 has beaten its metallurgical coal output guidance for 2017- 18, boosted by better than expected production at its Illawarra project, despite a 24 per cent fall in fourth- quarter output.
Output of metallurgical or coking coal, which is used in steel production, fell to 1.1 million tonnes in the June quarter from 1.4 million tonnes a year earlier, the company said.
Production was ahead of a UBS estimate of 818,000 tonnes.
The Appin colliery in the NSW Illawarra region was affected by an extended outage in the first half of 2017- 18, cutting full- year saleable production by 40 per cent.
However South32, made up of non- core assets spun off by mining giant BHP in 2015, posted full- year coking coal output of 3.2 million tonnes. The miner had forecast fullyear coking coal production of 3 million tonnes. South32 added that it expected to record one- off charges of about $ 60 million in its full- year 2018 results on account of a reorganisation. The miner is scheduled to report its annual results on August 23.
The world No. 1 manganese producer posted a 2.1 rise in quarterly manganese ore production, while annual manganese output rose 10 per cent amid stronger demand and pricing.
In April, South32 bid $ US1.3 billion ($ 1.6 billion) to take control of Arizona Mining, offering a hefty premium for the Toronto- listed firm which is developing zinc, lead, manganese and silver assets. A TRUCK wash, detailing, fuel and workshop facility in Townsville is setting the bar for heavy vehicle servicing after big investments by its owners and developer Brad Webb.
Big Boys Superwash established in the Webb estate in the Bohle.
The business is owned by Andrew and Chelsea Papageorge who have installed state- of- the- art equipment in a facility recently expanded by Mr Webb. has been industrial
“We hope to be able to offer a unique and convenient one- stop shop for the transport industry all under the one roof,” Mr Papageorge said.
“After completing a long shift, you can drop your vehicle off and we will wash, re- fuel and service your vehicle and have it ready for the next shift.”
Mr Papageorge has considerable industry experience, having previously been involved in North Queensland fuel distribution business Malpass Enterprises, while he continues to operate the Green Clean Carwash outside Spotlight in Garbutt.
Mr Webb, a former truck driver, developed the BM Webb industrial estate.
Big Boys Superwash features seven bays, including three for manual and automatic washing that can accommodate vehicles from cars to caravans and up to B Double trucks.
There is a dedicated self- serve fuel bay open 24- 7 equipped with bowsers delivering diesel at 120 litres per minute.
An experienced diesel fitter, Jason Fisher from SOS Diesel Services, a factory- trained Cummins technician, operates from two bays providing diesel repairs and servicing, auto electrical and tyre fitting.
Another of the bays houses a detailing facility, while Mr Papgeorge has established a distribution centre for lubricants in partnership with Pacific Petroleum Services and a drivers’ lounge.
But the “jewel” in the business crown is an automatic express drivethrough truck wash, complete with brushes, high- pressure water jets and underbody wash.
To maintain the business’s “green” credentials, a recycled water plant has been installed to feed the facility.
While news of the facility is still spreading, Mr Papageorge said the response from the industry so far had been great with drivers from all over the country using the services.
“It’s picking up. This is something different. There’s nothing like it between Brisbane and Darwin,” Mr Papageorge said.
“We get trucks from Australia.”
As the business grows, a 24- hour cafe- restaurant will be added. all around