Kerman Contracting is to build an automated iron ore sampling processing laboratory at Rio Tinto’s Koodaideri mine site, in the Pilbara of Western Australia.

The contract award from Scott Technology Ltd will see the company start construction on the lab in the June quarter of this year with estimated completion in February 2021.

The scope includes the civil and concrete works, as well as the structural, hydraulic, electrical/communication works and fire protection, Kerman said. The supply, installation and commissioning of robotics equipment will be undertaken by Scott.

Kerman is also working on Rio Tinto’s other major iron ore expansion project in the Pilbara, the Western Turner Syncline 2 (WTS2) iron ore project.

Kerman’s Managing Director, Chris Kerman, said: “We are very pleased to be awarded the design and construction of the Koodaideri laboratory building. Over the last nine months, Kerman and Scott have been working collaboratively on refining the scope and price. We are now looking forward to getting the project underway and establishing a long lasting business relationship with Scott.”

In February, Scott Technology said it had been awarded a significant contract by Rio Tinto to design and build the automated mine site laboratory, adding that the agreement involved the building construction and equipment supply for the robotic sample preparation and analysis laboratory (graphic above).

Koodaideri, billed by Rio as an “intelligent mine”, will deliver a new production hub for Rio’s iron ore business in the Pilbara, incorporating a processing plant and infrastructure including a 166 km rail line connecting the mine to the existing network.

Construction on Koodaideri Phase 1 started in 2019 with first production expected in late 2021. Once complete, the mine will have an annual capacity of 43 Mt, underpinning production of the company’s flagship iron ore product, Pilbara Blend.