Sinclair Knight Merz (SKM) has been appointed to deliver site evaluation and qualification of suppliers in China for Codelco, the Chilean State owned company and the largest copper producer in the world, currently. In China SKM provides materials handling engineering design, pre-qualification, procurement, quality assurance, expediting and project delivery expertise to mining, power and energy clients across the company’s global operations. The appointment to evaluate potential suppliers of steel structures and piping to Codelco recognises the value SKM can provide in helping clients to understand and overcome cultural challenges when doing business in China, bridging communication gaps, promoting transparency and helping enforce client safety and quality requirements.

SKM’s General Manager, Mining and Metals, Phil Lory said the appointment of recognised the company’s proven experience in helping clients fast track their projects whilst maintaining safety and quality standards. “Now with some 70 staff employed to undertake procurement services, inspection and fabrication management in China, SKM continues to expand, with the team also overseeing projects in neighbouring countries including South Korea and Thailand.

“We continue to provide quality assurance and expediting services in China for iron ore projects in the Pilbara region of Western Australia for BHP Billiton and Rio Tinto, fabrication of conveyor gantries for Xstrata South Africa as well as overseeing hydro-electric plant fabrication for Hydro Chile, ensuring expectations and requirements are fully understood by local fabricators,” Lory said.

This latest appointment by Codelco adds to the significant range of integrated services SKM continues to deploy in delivering Codelco’s El Teniente New Mine Level and Andina Expansion projects in Chile, and the many other projects which SKM has delivered for Codelco over the past 40 years.