Tag Archives: Downer

Perenti considering further Australia mining services consolidation

Mining mergers and acquisitions, Mining services, , , , ,

In response to media speculation, Perenti has confirmed it is “currently giving consideration” to the potential purchase of Downer EDI’s mining services division.

“The process is ongoing and Perenti would only put forward an offer to acquire the business if it were to align with its strategy and deliver value for the company’s shareholders,” it said.

Downer confirmed in November that it would be undertaking a portfolio review “to determine whether there are opportunities to enhance the alignment” of its portfolio, noting that an important area of focus for the review was the mining business.

Perenti, a global mining services firm, has expanded substantially in the past few years, acquiring Barminco in late 2018 to become Australia’s second-largest mining services company.

Downer to deploy Carlson machine guidance solutions across Australia mine sites

Automation, Communications in mining, Equipment maintenance, IoT, Mining equipment, Mining services, Mining software, , , , , , , , , , ,

Downer has recently invested in Carlson high precision machine guidance solutions to be deployed across four mine sites in Australia, the software solutions company confirmed.

In total, 27 machine systems will be installed across a fleet of dozers, excavators, drills, and supervisor vehicles to increase productivity and optimise mine site operations, Carlson said.

“As a leading mine contractor in Australia, Downer invests in technology and innovation to maximise safety, productivity, and operational efficiency across all stages of the mining lifecycle,” Carlson explained. “Supported throughout Australia, New Zealand, and Southeast Asia by Carlson’s Oceania distributor, Position Partners, Downer has implemented a tried and tested high precision machine guidance solution that is reliable, effective, and user friendly.”

Andrew Granger, Position Partners’ Mining Business Manager, said Downer and the company have worked closely on tailored mining solutions since 2014, when the company purchased its first Carlson high precision machine guidance system.

“Through a deep understanding of Downer’s requirements, along with a commitment by Carlson to listen to customer needs and design solutions to meet them, we were able to deliver a customised volumetrics module to get maximum productivity gains from their technology investment,” he said.

Carlson’s custom-designed volumetrics module is integrated into the Carlson Command software platform to provide office reporting tools to Downer on productivity and utilisation of high precision machine guidance systems.

“It’s a management tool that provides an in-depth understanding of machine and fleet performance,” Granger added. “It gives mine managers visibility into exactly how machines are operating, including the volume and location of material moved per hour.”

Nicholas Duggan, Technology Support Specialist from Downer, said: “Downer is committed to utilising innovative technology that delivers valuable insights and productivity gains to our mining operations. We partner with local companies where possible that have both technical capability and boots-on-the-ground support, which is why Position Partners with the Carlson solution is a preferred supplier.”

The Carlson Machine Guidance products purchased by Downer include:

  • Drill Grade – Carlson’s guidance and monitoring solution for drills;
  • Excavator Grade – Carlson’s digger guidance and monitoring solution for diggers;
  • Dozer Grade – Carlson’s guidance and monitoring solution for dozers;
  • Grade Supervisor – Carlson’s solution to allow supervisors to check production and see how they are performing against targets, and;
  • Carlson Command – Carlson’s office database solution to capture all data coming in from the machines for real-time viewing, reporting, and data analysis.

Granger said: “Carlson’s high precision machine guidance, combined with a robust reporting capability, offers a proven solution for mine sites. The systems are reliable, the interface is simple, and the productivity gains are tangible.”

Downer wins five-year rail renewal services contract with Rio Tinto

Bulk handling, Mining services, Steel and iron ore, , , , ,

Downer has recently been awarded the preferred supplier role for a five-year rail renewal services contract with Rio Tinto.

The five-year contract, with options to extend for a further five years, builds on the work the company has been delivering for Rio Tinto’s Iron Ore division, including tyre management and track construction. Work has already commenced, according to Downer.

Executive General Manager of Downer’s Infrastructure Projects, Mark Mackay, said: “Our values very strongly align to Rio’s values when it comes to safety, delivery, thought leadership and relationships – this includes how we build and grow relationships and partnerships with local suppliers, contractors and the local community. For example, this new work will see us set a target of 35% local content, including partnerships with local business to develop a Pilbara rail workshop facility as well as the delivery of rail training to improve the skills and capability of local suppliers.”

Matt Baartz, General Manager – Rail Maintenance at Rio Tinto Iron Ore, confirmed Downer has been identified as the preferred supplier for inland renewals, adding: “Downer has a strong safety record and has performed well over a sustained period of time working across Rio Tinto.”