GR Engineering Services Ltd says it has been awarded additional work by Bluestone Mines Tasmania Pty Ltd with a combined value of A$31.7 million ($23.6 million).

This work, to be performed by GR Engineering’s team in Queensland and Tasmania, Australia, includes an engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) contract involving the design, supply installation and commissioning of a new paste backfill plant and associated infrastructure at its Renison tin operations.

Early front-end engineering design work on the paste plant has been completed, GR Engineering said. The value of this project is A$23.9 million.

The Environment Protection Authority signed off on this paste plant build in August. It will redirect tailings from the existing tin process plant for dewatering and processing into filter cake, with the filter cake to then be stored and combined with cement in a batch process before being piped underground to stabilise mined out areas of the underground operations.

In addition, the company has been awarded an EPC contract for the HV Power Upgrade Project that includes the design, supply and installation of new transforms and HV switchgear for Bluestone’s existing main switchyard. The HV Upgrade Project has commenced, and the value of this work is A$7.8 million, the contractor said.

Geoff Jones, Managing Director, said: “GR Engineering has been pleased to support Bluestone Mines on multiple projects over the last two years and has developed a strong working relationship with management and the on-site team. We look forward to continuing our work with Bluestone Mines using GR Engineering’s team in Queensland and Tasmania.”

The Renison tin operations are owned 50:50 by Yunnan Tin Group and Metals X through the Bluestone Mines Tasmania Pty Ltd joint venture.