Tag Archives: Goldfields

Schlam to provide specialised maintenance services through new Fixed Plant Maintenance division

Equipment maintenance, Mining maintenance, Mining services, , , , , ,

On the back of growing demand for specialised maintenance services, Schlam has launched its new Fixed Plant Maintenance division.

This expansion is being spearheaded by Kaze Richardson, an experienced fixed plant professional determined to drive operations in the Pilbara and the Goldfields regions to new heights, Schlam says. Having been involved in multiple fixed plant projects and shutdowns sector since 2010, Richardson developed his skillset from a Leading Hand to Site Manager.

Schlam says: “With a deep understanding of the unique challenges faced by industries in the regions, Kaze brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to the table. His vision for the Fixed Plant Maintenance division is to provide exceptional services to Schlam’s valued partners, ensuring that their operations run seamlessly and efficiently.”

Richardson added: “Our goal is to become the go-to provider for all fixed plant maintenance needs in the Pilbara and Goldfields regions. We aim to do simple things well, with an ‘Adapt – Achieve – Repeat’ ethos.”

The establishment of the Fixed Plant Maintenance division reflects Schlam’s commitment to meeting the evolving needs of its clients, it says. By offering expert services, Schlam aims to provide its partners with a comprehensive end-to-end solution for all their fixed plant requirements. Whether it is routine inspections and repairs or complex refurbishments and upgrades, Schlam says its Fixed Plant Maintenance division has the capability to handle projects of any scale or complexity.

One of the key strengths of the new division lies in its team of highly skilled professionals. These individuals possess extensive knowledge and experience in working with a variety of materials, including steel, aluminium and various alloys. Their expertise allows them to fabricate custom components, structures and assemblies that meet the highest industry standards, Schlam says.

The Fixed Plant Maintenance division follows rigorous testing procedures to ensure every project meets the highest standards of precision, durability and compliance with industry regulations. This dedication to quality control reflects Schlam’s commitment to delivering exceptional results to its clients, it says.

Safety is of paramount importance to Schlam, and the Fixed Plant Maintenance division prioritises the implementation and adherence to robust safety protocols and best practices. By creating a secure working environment, Schlam says it ensures the wellbeing of its employees, clients and stakeholders, aligning its values with theirs.

The company concluded: “With the launch of the Fixed Plant Maintenance division, Schlam is poised to revolutionise the maintenance services industry in the Pilbara and Goldfields regions. Through exceptional expertise, unwavering commitment to quality, and a focus on safety, Schlam aims to become the trusted partner for all fixed plant maintenance needs.”

BHP, TransAlta solar and battery storage facility set to cut Nickel West Scope 2 emissions

Base metals, Environmental, Mine operation news, Power supply for mines, Sustainable mining, , , , , , , , , , ,

A new solar farm in the Northern Goldfields of Western Australia has been switched online thanks to a collaboration between BHP and renewable energy provider TransAlta, which, BHP says, will reduce Scope 2 emissions at the Nickel West northern operations by 12%.

The Northern Goldfields Solar and Battery Storage Facility is one of the world’s largest off-grid mining solar and battery energy storage systems and features about 70,000 solar panels across 90 ha of land.

The initiative, which will replace power currently generated from diesel and gas, will be a significant step towards BHP’s aim to decarbonise its operations by 30% by the 2030 financial year.

It includes a 27.4 MW solar farm at Mt Keith, and a 10.7 MW solar farm and 10.1 MW battery at Leinster, which is integrated into TransAlta’s Northern Goldfields remote power grid.

Construction on the facility began in 2022, creating more than 100 direct and indirect jobs in the Goldfields and Perth regions, and will support ongoing employment during operations.

BHP Australia President, Geraldine Slattery, said: “Renewables are increasingly powering BHP operations around the globe and this facility – the first we have built on one of our sites – is another step forward in our plans to reduce our operational greenhouse gas emissions by at least 30% by FY30, from FY20 levels.

“Nickel is in high demand for batteries and electric vehicles, and this progress is part of our commitment to delivering more sustainable, lower carbon product to our customers.”

BHP Nickel West Asset President, Jessica Farrell, said the initiative was one of many ways Nickel West was reducing its operational emissions – it was also considering wind farms in the northern and southern Goldfields.

“It’s fantastic to see the Northern Goldfields Solar and Battery Storage Facility switched on,” she said. “It’s on the back of a team of dedicated engineers, technicians and many others bringing new ideas to the table to support the development and integration of reliable and affordable renewable power to our business.

“The initiative will help Nickel West reduce Scope 2 greenhouse gas emissions at our northern operations by 12%. This will result in an estimated reduction of 54,000 t of CO2-e per annum – the equivalent of removing 23,000 combustion engine cars2 from the road each year.”

TransAlta’s President and Chief Executive Officer, John Kousinioris, said the company was excited to flick the switch on what was a ground-breaking project for the organisation.

He said: “We are excited to work together with BHP to realise this innovative solution to meet BHP’s renewable electricity needs. This facility represents a first for both companies – it’s BHP’s first on-site, large-scale renewable project globally, and it’s TransAlta’s first renewable energy facility in Australia. It’s also the first time we have combined solar and battery storage to offer a hybrid solution.

“This unique project enabled us to apply the extensive capability and technical knowledge we have to the development of a large-scale facility in a remote part of Western Australia.

“Working under our longstanding relationship with BHP, we were able to collectively solve challenges and break new ground at the same time as playing a part in WA’s exciting and rapidly accelerating transition to a cleaner energy future.”

Wallis Drilling wins three-year contract extension at Glencore’s Murrin Murrin op

Base metals, Energy minerals, Explosives and blasting, Mining equipment, Mining services, , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Glencore has signed a three-year contract extension with Wallis Drilling to retain the drilling company’s services at Murrin Murrin in Western Australia’s Goldfields region, which will extend Wallis’ long-standing relationship at the Glencore-owned operation to over a quarter of a century, the service provider says.

Wallis Drilling is a local Western Australian business, founded in 1965 by Marty and Jamie Wallis, which has grown to over 300 employees, but remains a family run business today.

Wallis has provided services to Glencore’s Murrin Murrin operation for 24 years and the contract extension, running through to September 2025, will see Wallis Drilling continue to provide RC grade control and blasthole drilling at Murrin Murrin.

Murrin Murrin is a nickel-cobalt mining and processing operation between Leonora and Laverton in the north-eastern Goldfields region of Western Australia and currently provides work for over 1,000 employees and contractors.

Wallis Drilling Manager, Wayne Waters, oversees the Murrin Murrin contract, with his role previously being occupied by Grant Wallis who is now the Chief Operating Officer of the business.

Waters said: “Murrin Murrin, like Wallis, understands the importance of establishing and nurturing long-term relationships to create stability, which has been exemplified by the latest contract extension.

“This business certainty is beneficial to Wallis, but it also gives us the capacity to plan for the long-term on site at Murrin Murrin and deliver the best operational outcomes.”

Grant Wallis said: “Our work at Murrin Murrin has helped us grow from a small family business to one of Australia’s largest privately-owned minerals drilling companies, while still remaining true to our local WA roots.”

Nic Fenner, Head of Mining Technical Services at Murrin Murrin, said: “We are very proud to help grow local Western Australia businesses, like Wallis Drilling, and help be a part in their success stories.

“The strong relationship between Murrin Murrin Operations and Wallis has been underpinned by our shared values and culture. Murrin Murrin and Wallis both have many long serving employees with some even being the second generation in their family to work at Murrin Murrin.”

MLG Oz extends service ties with Evolution Mining at Mungari operations

Mine operation news, Mining services, Precious metals, , , , , , , ,

MLG Oz Ltd is set to extend its relationship with Evolution Mining Limited after being selected as its preferred service provider to service its Mungari operation, located in the Goldfields region of Western Australia.

The award of the new contract for the provision of haulage and integrated site services issued under Evolution’s wholly owned subsidiary, Evolution Mining (Mungari) Pty Limited, is for an initial contract term of two years, with a provision for a further one-year extension at Evolution’s discretion. The contract, MLG says, leverages its large Kalgoorlie-based resourcing pool and off-road haulage assets.

The Mungari district, now under the single ownership of Evolution, has a significant mineral endowment with a large portfolio of resources delivering long term feed options to the company’s centrally located Mungari processing infrastructure. Mungari produced 115,829 oz of gold at an average all-in sustaining cost of A$1,453/oz ($1,003/oz) in the financial year ending June 30, 2021.

MLG founder and Managing Director, Murray Leahy, said: “We commenced our first contract with Evolution less than a year ago and we are delighted to be awarded this opportunity to enhance our long-term relationship. This contract marks a significant milestone in our pursuit to provide superior integrated services to our customers.”

The new contract will see annualised revenue with Evolution effectively double to some A$15-$18 million, MLG said. The company’s scope of works builds on the recent integration of the Kundana operations into Evolution’s Mungari portfolio, with MLG engaged to service the combined sites bulk haulage and road maintenance requirements under a single service provider arrangement.

MACA receives contract extension from Regis Resources at Duketon North

Mine operation news, Mining services, Precious metals, , , , , ,

MACA has announced the extension of its mining services contract with Regis Resources Ltd at the Duketon North Operations (DNO) in Western Australia, having provided mining services at the project since 2010.

The service offering includes a dedicated workforce of 258 personnel delivering drill & blast, load & haul, plant maintenance and technical services across the Regis open pits in the area.

This extension is expected to generate up to A$50 million ($36 million) per year in revenue for MACA and will utilise the contract miner’s existing fleet on site. DNO continues to run alongside the Duketon South Operations (DSO).

Both parties have signalled their intention to explore conversion of both the DSO and DNO contracts into an amalgamated partnership-style life of mine alliance arrangement post June 2023, MACA said. The asset produced 356,000 oz of gold in the 2021 financial year.

MACA’s work in hand position including this contract is in excess of A$2.6 billion at April 2022.

MACA CEO, Mike Sutton, said: “MACA is delighted to continue its long-standing relationship with Regis at the Duketon North Operation. Our team has a long-standing relationship with Regis and MACA is proud to be an ongoing part of this operation. This project will be undertaken utilising existing fleet and contributes to MACA’s secured mining work in hand in the Goldfields region, ensuring future work continues to consist of a balanced portfolio of commodities.”

Zenith Energy to roll out 5B Maverick solar system across Australian mine sites

Base metals, Energy minerals, Environmental, Mining services, Power supply for mines, Precious metals, Sustainable mining, , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Renewable energy penetration is set to increase on major mine sites in the Goldfields and Pilbara regions of Australia, after Zenith Energy and 5B signed a deployment agreement that could see the 5B Maverick™ system rolled out.

Zenith, one of Australia’s leading independent power producers, and 5B, a clean energy technology provider, signed an Ecosystem Framework Agreement-Deployment, permitting Zenith to be a deployment partner of the 5B Maverick system within Australia.

The 5B Maverick system solar array is prefabricated, allowing rapid deployment while increasing the ability of Zenith to expand renewable assets across existing and future sites, Zenith said. Each 5B Maverick array consists of up to 90 solar panels, mounted on specially designed racks, and optimised for the 540-550 W module class of the utility scale solar industry.

Zenith Managing Director, Hamish Moffat, said the partnership represents the next step in reducing emissions across Zenith’s legacy portfolio.

“We’ve been looking to increase renewable assets across multiple sites for some time; the question has always been around how we can achieve that in such a way that is economically viable,” he said. “The 5B Maverick system is re-deployable, meaning it can be integrated on mines with shorter tenure, and moved at the end of operations at those sites.”

He added: “It offers Zenith greater ability to leverage value from our initial capital expenditure, making it more cost effective to offer expanded renewable energy solutions for our clients.”

5B Co-Founder and CEO, Chris McGrath, said the strategic partnership is an important validation of 5B Maverick’s ability to reduce deployment complexity.

“This has been a major barrier for solar installations on mine sites worldwide,” he said. “The agreement also shows that our cost reduction efforts over the past two years have worked – we’ve hit the price point where 5B Mavericks can be viably packed up and redeployed elsewhere, substantially reducing the risk of stranded assets in mining, agricultural and industrial operations.”

Moffat said Zenith is looking to integrate the 5B Maverick system across three sites initially. These include:

  • Nova: The 5B Maverick will play a major role in Zenith’s industry first ‘engine-off’ project at IGO’s Nova nickel mine, allowing the site to operate on up to nine consecutive hours of renewable energy through the installation of an extra 10 MW of solar, and a 10 MW battery energy storage system;
  • Warrawoona: Zenith recently committed to the supply, installation, and commissioning of a 4 MW DC Solar Farm, using the 5B Maverick, as well as a 3 MW/3 MWh AC battery energy storage system at Warrawoona, owned by Calidus Resources. The hybrid power station configuration will reduce gas use, which in turn results in a reduction in emissions; and
  • King of The Hills: Work is currently underway to install 2 MW of 5B Maverick on the Red 5 site, also supported by a battery energy storage system.

Moffat said the 5B agreement is another key milestone on the company’s journey toward ‘net zero’.

“Our 2035 ‘net zero’ target strikes a balance between ambition and ability to achieve, with the 5B partnership a clear demonstration of our progress and commitment to this goal,” he said.

McGrath said 5B was keen to partner with Zenith, given the independent power producer’s strong reputation and credibility in providing renewable energy solutions to the mining and resources industry.

“We’re keen to develop mutually beneficial partnerships with like-minded companies, and Zenith definitely fits the bill,” he said. “It is great to see Zenith leveraging the ability of the 5B Maverick solar arrays to deploy up to 10 times faster, more safely than single axis tracker and fixed tilt solar systems, to deliver a full solution for their customers.”

Moffat said the partnership offers both Zenith and 5B the opportunity to continue to lead the industry, demonstrating the ability and capacity to effectively integrate renewable energy solutions.

“We have continually said we want to be part of the renewable solution, not just by developing the concepts needed, but by also actively deploying and proving the technology,” he said. “The partnership with 5B allows us to do this and continue to bring our clients on the glide path to ‘net zero’.”

Cobham confirms seven-year FIFO extension for Murrin Murrin mine site

Base metals, Mining services, , , , , , , , ,

Cobham Regional Services has been awarded a new seven-year contract with Minara Resources (wholly owned by Glencore), to provide fly-in, fly-out (FIFO) services to its Murrin Murrin site in the eastern Goldfields region of Western Australia.

Minara Resources is Australia’s largest cobalt producer and a major producer of nickel, and a foundation FIFO client of Cobham.

Cobham Regional Services Managing Director, Claude Alviani, said that Cobham had been providing FIFO services to Murrin Murrin since the mine commenced operations in 1996.

“We are absolutely delighted to continue the relationship we have with Minara as their aviation partner of choice,” Alviani said. “The operators of Murrin Murrin were pioneers of FIFO in Western Australia, using an airbridge to connect workers to site well before it became common practice.

“Over the past six months, Minara has transitioned to our modern, lower carbon emission aircraft with the E190 and Q400 now servicing the site.”

Brett Fowler, General Manager, Minara Resources, said: “We are pleased to continue our relationship with Cobham, a long-term partner of the Murrin Murrin operations. We welcome the addition of the lower carbon emission aircraft to Murrin Murrin as we continue to produce the nickel and cobalt that are critical commodities for the transition to a low-carbon economy.”

The new contract comes at a pivotal time for the industry in Western Australia as the State prepares to open its borders.

Cobham’s Business Development Director, Tim Pirga, said that Cobham was well positioned for transitioning to the next phase of living with COVID.

“We have a private terminal which allows us to offer bespoke solutions for COVID screening, health checks and passenger separation,” he said. “Minara will take advantage of our facility and of our experiences operating in other states where borders have been open for some time.”

Civmec to construct Mount Holland lithium concentrate refinery

Comminution of minerals, Energy minerals, Mineral project development, Mining services, , , , , , , , , , ,

Civmec Ltd has been issued with a notice of award for a major construction contract in the resources sector at the Covalent Lithium Pty Ltd joint venture in Western Australia, as well as several infrastructure and maintenance projects, raising its order book to more than A$1.15 billion ($823 million).

The major construction contract is for the Mount Holland lithium project in Western Australia being undertaken by subsidiaries of Wesfarmers and Sociedad Química y Minera de Chile SA through the 50:50 joint venture manager Covalent Lithium Pty Ltd.

The Mount Holland mine site will produce lithium concentrate, which will be transported to a refinery that Civmec has been tasked to construct. The refinery, to be located at Kwinana in Western Australia and within 10 km of Civmec’s flagship heavy engineering facilities in Henderson, will convert the lithium concentrate into high-purity lithium hydroxide monohydrate. Covalent says the refinery operations are expected to have an 85% recovery of the lithium contained in the spodumene concentrate, with the capacity to produce around 45,000 t/y of battery-quality lithium hydroxide.

The scope of work being undertaken by Civmec covers most disciplines performed by Civmec including structural and piping fabrication, SMP erection, refractory lining, insulation and E&I installation works.

Civmec expects to commence work on this project in 2022, with completion expected in 2024.

On top of this, the company says it has also continued to make traction in our efforts to secure more market share in the maintenance area on both the East and West coast of Australia with a new contract award for maintenance services for Glencore’s Murrin Murrin operations. It is also getting more work for maintenance and shutdowns from long-term client Roy Hill, and has recently completed work for a nickel producer in the Goldfields region of Western Australia.

Civmec’s Chief Executive Officer, Patrick Tallon, said: “Demand for heavy engineering and construction services in the private and public sectors in Australia remains strong and these new contracts underscore, yet again, our strength as a top-tier contractor. Our efforts to generate more recurring income are also paying off as we are getting more work involving maintenance and capital works from both existing and new clients.”

Austin expands service offering with Mader Group strategic support alliance

Equipment maintenance, Mining equipment, Mining services, , , , , ,

Austin Engineering Ltd has executed a strategic support alliance with Mader Group Ltd that will see Mader provide assistance as required on a flexible ‘tap-on tap-off’ basis, using its mine-based personnel and workshop facilities to bolster Austin’s existing support services.

The initial focus of the alliance will be Western Australia’s Pilbara and Goldfields regions, in addition to sites in Queensland and New South Wales.

Mader, Austin says, is the largest independent provider of equipment maintenance services in Australia and has a growing global presence. Its workforce is based in and around Australia’s key mining regions, allowing for faster deployment to site and overall response time.

Austin will continue to use its own service teams, which travel to site from Perth, Brisbane and Mackay, but will augment these as necessary to improve turnaround times and service efficiency when commercially appropriate.

Mader Group provides services for the inspection, maintenance and repair of heavy mobile equipment. Its technicians offer mechanical and electrical maintenance including fabrication and welding services.

Austin CEO and Managing Director, David Singleton, said: “Austin’s leading engineering and design capabilities see it produce mining truck bodies and buckets for customers across all commodities and global geographies. The agreement with Mader will support our existing services, initially in Australia, to ensure our customers are given the best quality support for our products.”

Barminco to debut Epiroc Diamec Smart 6M in the Goldfields of Western Australia

Automation, Mining equipment, Mining safety, Mining services, Precious metals, , , , , , , , , , ,

Barminco says it has become the first company in the world to debut the new generation of Epiroc’s Mobile Carrier Rig (MCR) – the GEN 2 Epiroc Diamec Smart 6M.

This second-generation underground mobile core drill rig uses the drilling capacity of the Diamec Smart 6 automated operating system, and the mobility and sturdiness of the S2 Boomer carrier with the addition of Epiroc’s automated rod handler, the contractor said.

Epiroc says the the Diamec Smart 6M combines the best of two worlds – the high productivity and accuracy of a Diamec core drilling rig, with the mobility of a robust carrier designed for underground use.

The Rod Handling System, coupled with the Smart 6 Rig Control System, allows for full automation, increasing operator safety and productivity, according to Barminco.

The company said: “Combining Epiroc’s cutting-edge technology of their drilling and rod handling operating systems brings the underground drilling industry a step closer to having ‘no hands on steel’ and taking a giant step forward towards a safer environment for the operators.”

The contractor is due to commission the rig next month at a client site in the Goldfields of Western Australia.

Barminco added: “The addition of the Epiroc GEN 2 MCR to our state-of-the-art fleet supports our Diamond Drill team to Enable Tomorrow, work Smarter Together and take No Shortcuts. Following these Barminco Principles will help create a safer environment for our people and will assist our client in consistently achieving production targets.”