Global projects firm, Sinclair Knight Merz (SKM), presented on the company’s role in Rio Tinto’s Cape Lambert Upgrade at the recent Iron Ore Conference in Perth, Western Australia (July 11-13). SKM’s Manager Engineering for Rio Tinto Iron Ore Expansion Projects in the Pilbara, Steve Russell, delivered a paper on the Cape Lambert Upgrade at the conference. Also, Tim Atchison presented In-Pit Crushing and Conveying Bench Operations. Russell outlined how innovative engineering design and construction practices developed for this A$1.1 billion project, which was delivered ahead of time, under budget, and with an outstanding safety record, established new benchmarks for future iron ore port facilities.
As well as Cape Lambert, SKM showcased other iron ore project experience, from small start-up facilities to multi-billion dollar operations in Australia, Brazil, Peru and West Africa. These projects currently include:
- Western Australia – Rapid Growth Projects, BHP Billiton
- Western Australia – Expansion Projects, Rio Tinto
- Brazil – Consultancy Services and Studies, Vale
- Simandou, West Africa – Iron Ore Project Services
- Western Australia – Iron Ore Project Services, FerrAus and North West Infrastructure
- South Australia – Iron Ore Project Services, Western Plain Resources, Iron Road, Centrex, Iron Clad Mining
- Peru – Iron Ore Project Services, Strike Resources
- China – Contracts, Procurement and Materials Management, BHP Billiton and Rio Tinto
SKM’s Manager, Mining and Metals – Western Region, Phil Beddoes, said that SKM was always looking to add value to projects through thinking strategically about how to improve the way projects are designed and delivered. “We continue to successfully bring lessons learned from previous projects to future developments, building a track record for delivering projects ahead of schedule, under budget and with an outstanding safety record. This was most recently demonstrated on Rio Tinto’s A$1.1 billion Cape Lambert Upgrade project.”
SKM was a Platinum Sponsor of the Iron Ore Conference, organised by the Australasian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy (AusIMM).
