NRW Holdings has been given a A$176 million gig to carry out bulk earthworks and concrete works at BHP’s South Flank Precinct iron ore project in Western Australia.

The project includes bulk earthworks and concrete for the overland conveyor and primary crushers, together with non-process infrastructure. It also includes bulk earthworks on access tracks, clearing, pads and diversion drains. NRW expects to place around 14,000m³ of concrete as part of the contract.

Since BHP approved development of the US$3.4 billion project last month, there has been a spate of contract awards. CIMIC’s CPB won the first major contract, which was swiftly followed by SIMPEC being awarded work on the ore handling plant area. Clough was awarded the EPC contract in May.

NRW’s contract is due to run for 15 months from September. At its peak, it will require over 350 workers on site, with plant and equipment sourced from both its internal fleet and a range of hire firms.

Jules Pemberton, NRW CEO and Managing Director, said: “The award of this contract is particularly pleasing given the long standing association of NRW and BHP on resource projects, and recognises NRW’s experience and capability in delivering projects in the Pilbara.”

He added that the contract would also provide opportunities for employment and procurement from Traditional Owners and local businesses in the area.

South Flank is some 120 km northwest of Newman in the Pilbara and is owned 85% by BHP and 15% by ITOCHU Minerals and Energy of Australia and Mitsui Iron Ore Corp.

The project is due to expand the existing infrastructure at BHP’s majority-owned Mining Area C, and involves construction of an 80 million tonne per year crushing and screening plant, an overland conveyor system, stockyard and train loading facilities, procurement of new mining fleet and substantial mine development and pre-strip work. The mine will replace the 80 Mt/y Yandi operation which is reaching the end of its economic life.