Tag Archives: Pilbara

Primero banks new work with Fortescue, Rio Tinto and Hazer Group

Energy minerals, Mineral project development, Mining project news, Mining services, Steel and iron ore, , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Primero Group says it has recently booked new business totalling some A$55 million ($39 million) with Fortescue Metals Group, Rio Tinto and the Hazer Group as it continues to build out its 2021 financial year contracted order book.

First, it has been awarded the engineering, procurement and construction contract for the Non-Process Infrastructure (NPI) at Fortescue’s Eliwana mine and rail project, in the Pilbara.

Works commenced in late July based on a limited notice to proceed, with the full contract now awarded to Primero following a successful Early Contractor Involvement (ECI) process. The contract includes the complete engineering design, procurement and construction of heavy vehicle workshops and washdown and refuelling infrastructure required for the new Eliwana mine, with works expected to be completed in the 2021 financial year.

Once completed, the $1.275 billion Eliwana project, which includes the building of a 30 Mt/y iron ore processing facility, will maintain Fortescue’s overall production rate of a minimum 170 Mt/y over 20 years.

With Rio Tinto, Primero has been awarded two multi-year Master Service Agreements for NPI and Structural, Mechanical, Piping services across the miner’s Pilbara operational and project locations. The two contracts have an initial term of three years, with an option for a two-year extension. They cover sustaining capital and maintenance projects required over that period across all Rio Tinto Iron Ore Pilbara sites, it said.

The services cover design, procurement and construction activities for engagement under negotiated commercial terms in a “panel style agreement”, according to Primero.

Primero has also been awarded an EPC contract for Hazer Group’s hydrogen/graphene commercial demonstration plant in Western Australia at the Woodman Point Water Treatment Facility.

Hazer is undertaking the commercialisation of the Hazer Process, a low-emission hydrogen and graphite production process. This process enables the effective conversion of natural gas and similar methane feedstocks, into hydrogen and high-quality graphite, using iron ore as a process catalyst, according to the company.

“The full project award has followed a successful ECI process that has extended over the past 12 months,” Primero said. “This process was targeted at developing the technology engineering to the point where a commercial contract could be executed to deliver the project. The project is the first of its kind in the new global renewables energy market and is patented groundbreaking technology in the hydrogen space.”

Alongside this, Primero said it had been awarded the detailed design contract for a 130 km water delivery pipeline and associated pumping stations for the Covalent Lithium Mt Holland project feasibility study in Western Australia.

Primero said its committed order book for the 2021 financial year now stands at around A$285 million.

Alltype Engineering goes modular for Rio Koodaideri iron ore plant deliveries

Automation, Mineral processing, Mineral project development, Mining project news, Mining services, Steel and iron ore, , , , , , , , , ,

WestStar Industrial Ltd’s engineering contractor business, Alltype Engineering, is to help build an iron ore mine plant at the Rio Tinto-owned Koodaideri project in the Pilbara of Western Australia, thanks to a contract award from Laing O’Rourke.

The Phase 1 Structural, Mechanical, and Piping package for the mine plant comes with a value of around A$6 million ($4.4 million) for fabrication works plus associated modularisation scopes, WestStar says.

The execution plan developed by Laing O’Rourke, the managing contractor, is based upon substantial preassembly and modularisation of the structural steel elements at Alltype’s Naval Base facility, in Western Australia (pictured). The contract win takes immediate effect with delivery and install dates up to January 2021, it said.

“The works to be performed leverage off the core competencies of the company with similar delivery strategies utilised for oil and gas, petrochemical and infrastructure projects in the past,” WestStar said.

Koodaideri is a greenfield mine development, around 35 km northwest of the Yandicoogina mine in the East Pilbara mining region. The mine will initially be developed as a nominal 43 Mt/y high-grade, dry processing operation. First production is expected in late 2021.

WestStar acquired Alltype Engineering last year in a deal that involved an upfront payment of around A$5.9 million, along with a deferred consideration subject to Alltype achieving its 2020 financial year targets.

Alltype Engineering Managing Director, Kelvin Andrijich, said: “Alltype Engineering undertook a significant strategic shift in direction in 2017, focusing on multi-discipline construction solutions, technology partnerships with OEMs and leveraging off the well-established industry exposure developed over 35 years of operation. This strategy continues to unfold with our established local fabrication capability and by building upon successive projects delivered of increasing scale and complexity with existing and new clients.

“The support of our new owner, WestStar Industrial, allows the group to execute larger contracts previously constrained by working capital, as well as start to expand the operational footprint to the east coast of Australia where there is further market opportunity for this offering.”

Decmil captures NPI contract at Iron Bridge Magnetite project

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Decmil Group says it has been awarded a circa-A$41 million ($30 million) contract to undertake non-mining process infrastructure works at the Iron Bridge Magnetite project in the Pilbara region of Western Australia.

Construction is scheduled to commence in September 2020 and be completed by May 2021.

Under the scope of works, Decmil will design and construct a bulk fuel storage and transfer facility, a mobile maintenance complex, including workshops, warehouses and related satellite office and site services facilities.

The bulk fuel storage and transfer facility will provide a refuelling facility for heavy vehicles, while the mobile maintenance complex includes a heavy vehicle workshop that incorporates locker storage, tool storage and an administration area, Decmil said.

The $2.6 billion Iron Bridge Magnetite project, owned by Fortescue Metals Group subsidiary FMG Iron Bridge Ltd and Formosa Steel IB, is expected to see a new magnetite mine developed to support production of 22 Mt/y of high grade concentrate, according to Fortescue. First concentrate is expected to be produced by mid-2022.

Decmil’s agreement is the latest in a stream of contracts the JV has issued recently, including the award of a wet processing plant build to CPB Contractors, a civils contract awarded to Civmec to build the structural concrete components for the dry plant at the project, and PROK’s contract for the design, manufacture and supply of conveyor pulleys at Iron Bridge.

Decmil CEO, Dickie Dique, said the company was delighted to secure works at one of Australia’s most significant mining projects.

“Crucially, this award at such a major project enhances our credentials to potentially secure more work in a resurgent iron ore and magnetite sector,” Dique said.

PROK sets its sights on Pilbara iron ore sector with Newman service centre

Bulk handling, Equipment maintenance, Mining consumables, Mining equipment, Mining maintenance, Mining services, Steel and iron ore, , , ,

Global conveyor components OEM PROK has opened a new specialist conveyor service centre in Newman, Western Australia, to provide local conveyor solutions and products to the Pilbara region.

As one of the largest manufacturers of conveyor idlers and pulleys in the world, the opening of PROK Pilbara is a major milestone and provides the opportunity to be closer to key iron ore operations, the company said.

PROK recently held a grand opening event at the new workshop attended by around 60 people including customers and representatives from the local community.

Speaking at the event, PROK Business Unit Manager – Technical Services, Arun Bangalore, said the new facility means customers will have access to expert conveyor solutions right on their doorstep.

“The opening of PROK Pilbara means we will be even more agile to customer requests with quicker turnaround times, local support and access to the best engineers and technicians in the market,” he said.

“With so many mine sites located in and around Newman, it was the perfect location and it makes sense for us to be located here with our customers.”

The workshop is fully equipped for pulley refurbishment, general fabrication and fitting services and provides mining companies with access to local expert technical specialists and engineering support.

The 4,000 sq.m site also includes pulley testing equipment, including vibration analysis testing and dynamic balancing, providing customers with access to the latest in condition monitoring technology, PROK said.

“Mining companies no longer need to send their equipment to Perth, they now have a local engineering workshop that offers everything they need to optimise their conveyor system,” Bangalore added.

As well as providing expert conveyor solutions, PROK will have a big focus on directly contributing to the local Pilbara community.

“Supporting the local community and customers is a key pillar of PROK Pilbara’s strategy and we see major benefits including creating employment opportunities, engaging with local suppliers, providing support to community groups, local charities and sporting groups and executing the PROK Indigenous Engagement Program,” Bangalore said.

DDB awarded drill and blast gig at Rio’s Western Turner Syncline 2 project

Explosives and blasting, Mineral project development, Mining services, Steel and iron ore, , , , , , , , ,

Dynamic Drill and Blast Holdings is to carry out drill and blast services at Rio Tinto’s Western Turner Syncline 2 project in Western Australia after entering a services contract with WBHO Infrastructure Pty Ltd (WBHO-I).

Under the contract at the bulk earthworks project, Dynamic Drill and Blast is expected to commence delivery of services immediately until late October. This timeline is dependant on drill and blast volumes required as the project progresses, it noted.

This newly awarded project follows on from current services being undertaken by DDB at the Western Turner Syncline Northern Access Road project, the ASX-listed company said. The company will mobilise two drill rigs, 15 personnel and ancillary equipment to deliver the required services, all of which are contracted on standard terms and conditions for a short-term pact of this nature, it said.

Back in November 2019, Rio said it would invest $749 million in the Western Turner Syncline Phase 2 (WTS2) mine at its Greater Tom Price operations, in the Pilbara of Western Australia, facilitating mining of existing and new deposits and including construction of a new crusher as well as a 13 km conveyor.

On top of this work at WTS2, Dynamic Drill and Blast is currently deploying equipment and personnel to two short term, strategic projects, it said.

“Whilst these contracts are not considered to be material contracts by Dynamic Drill and Blast, they have the potential to evolve into further opportunities in the gold and/or iron ore production sectors,” the company said.

It estimates the revenue generated from the three short-term combined projects will be around A$1-A$3 million ($738,004-$2.21 million). This is based on the fixed and variable nature of these types of agreements, the company explained.

Dynamic Drill and Blast continues to source suitable drill rigs to increase the capacity of the fleet, it said.

Since listing on the ASX earlier this month, three additional Epiroc T45 drill rigs have been sourced to complement the company’s existing fleet, it said. One unit has been mobilised to the Pilbara region of Western Australia, with another two units being transported from North America currently. These drills support the existing asset strategy and are suitable for projects within the tendered pipeline, it said.

And, with DDB’s current workshop facility lease maturing, a new fit for purpose premises including workshop, laydown, and office facilities, has been secured in Wangara, Western Australia, it said.

“The new facility provides greater maintenance and supply chain capacity, and this is now the company’s principal place of business,” Dynamic Drill and Blast said.

Mineral Resources achieves Aussie first with new gen Epiroc blasthole drill rig

Automation, Environmental, Explosives and blasting, Mine operation news, Mining equipment, Mining services, Steel and iron ore, Sustainable mining, , , , , , ,

Mineral Resources Ltd says it has become the first company in Australia to start up Epiroc’s new generation SmartROC D65 drill rig.

The updated SmartROC D65 delivers high-quality blast holes with accuracy and precision and is loaded with smart features such as automated drilling and rod handling, according to the miner and technology and service provider. It also uses less hydraulic oil than previous versions and has fewer hoses and pumps. This helps to reduce costs and makes servicing easier, while increasing sustainability and reducing the environmental impact of the rig, Minerals Resources says.

Back in October 2019, Epiroc’s Kris Thomas, Product Manager – SED at Epiroc Australia, told IM that Australia was the first big target market for this new rig, with the new model already having been put forward in several major tenders, particularly in the Western Australia iron ore industry.

Mineral Resources’ own portfolio of iron ore assets comprises numerous known deposits and highly prospective targets across two of Western Australia’s premier iron ore provinces – the Yilgarn and the Pilbara.

“We decided to bring our drill and blast function in-house to enable greater agility, innovation and optimisation,” Mineral Resources said. “We’re always looking at ways to reduce our environmental footprint, not only with the work we perform but also in our choice of equipment.”

Having the new drill rigs on site allows for further efficiencies, the company says, as a platform drill is no longer required to drill up to 229 mm blastholes.

“By being more efficient in everything we do means we’ll continue to achieve our aim of being a leading provider of innovative and sustainable mining services and a low cost mining operator,” the company concluded.

CR beefs up Pilbara service offering with ‘Boots on the Ground’

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As part of CR’s strategy to further increase its on-site service model and ensure it maintains a high level of service through these times of regional and border restrictions, it has announced its local Pilbara ‘Boots on the Ground’ initiative.

“Equipped with the latest in vehicle safety, communication, navigation and journey management systems, we welcome Troy Honey back to the CR Australasia Team,” the company said. “Troy is residential to Karratha, has been a North West local for four years and, combined with over 20 years of experience servicing the Pilbara resources sector, he will be an asset to ensuring our customers productivity assets are maintained to the highest level possible.”

CR added: “Whether it is during restrictions or any time requiring service, CR’s ‘Boots on the Ground’ will provide the rapid response required by the Pilbara’s world leading mining industry, all the while supporting the local communities of the Pilbara in Western Australia.”

Scott Technology wins sample prep and analysis lab contract from Rio at Robe Valley

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Scott Technology has been awarded a further multi-million dollar contract by Rio Tinto to provide and commission the equipment for a new sample preparation and analysis laboratory at the Robe Valley iron ore mine site in Western Australia.

This is the second significant iron ore sample laboratory project awarded to Scott Technology by Rio Tinto in 2020, building on the inaugural order for an automated lab at the Koodaideri project.

The automation and robotics solutions provider said this latest contract builds on the decades-long relationship between the two businesses and Scott’s expertise and experience in this area.

The Robe Valley project scope comprises equipment from Scott Technology’s Rocklabs business as well as third-party supply. Work has begun on the development and planning for the new laboratory, which is expected to commence operation in June 2021.

Rio’s majority-owned Robe Valley operation produces ore from mines at the Mesa A hub and Mesa J hub, with coarse ore from both processed to lump and fines in the process plant at Cape Lambert.

John Kippenberger, CEO of Scott Technology (pictured), said: “Scott has demonstrated success at many iron ore mine site laboratories in recent years, with our Rocklabs crushers and mills providing safe, reliable, productive operation for our clients. We are excited to be working with the Rio Tinto team on another important mining laboratory project.

“This comes on the back of the positive Rio Tinto Koodaideri project work, which is currently underway and also in Western Australia. As recently announced, building work and site mobilisation has commenced at Koodaideri, in line with the original timetable.

“This latest contract award further cements Scott’s evolution in the mining sector from a world leading supplier of sample preparation equipment, to a complete end-to-end automation and analysis solution provider.”

Kippenberger said the iron ore sector was continuing to experience positive interest and investment in automation given the underlying strength in demand for the steel raw material, which boded well for the company picking up more contracts.

“We see an increasing opportunity for our business, for more projects of the same scale with both existing and new customers as they seek increased safety and greater productivity,” he added.

The Robe Valley is around 140 km southwest of Karratha in the Pilbara region, with the Robe Valley deposits owned by the Robe JV, which is 53% owned by Rio Tinto, 33% by Mitsui Iron Ore Development and 14% by Nippon Steel Sumitomo Metals Corp.

The primary requirement of the Robe Valley Sustaining Project is to sustain production from the Robe Valley from the year 2020.

Bis to deliver off-road bulk load and haul services to Roy Hill

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Bis and its innovative haulage solutions have been selected for a major contract from Roy Hill at its iron ore mine in the east Pilbara region of Western Australia.

The new contract follows a competitive tender process and includes off-road bulk load and haul and site services, the resources logistics company said.

Bis CEO, Brad Rogers, said: “Bis has more than a century of experience in mine site haulage, and we are thrilled to welcome Roy Hill as an important new customer.”

Bis’ industry-leading safety record and Zero Harm approach to people, community and environment, in addition to the company’s culture of innovation, was integral in the company being awarded the contract, it said.

Rogers added: “This award highlights Bis’ strong reputation and capability across mining projects in Australia and Indonesia. We look forward to building strong relationships with the Roy Hill team and supporting their iron ore operation and delivering the contract efficiently and safely.”

Mobilisation to site will commence shortly, with a contract start date in September 2020, Bis said.

Roy Hill has an integrated mine, rail and port facilities and produces 55 Mt/y of iron ore, with approval to increase to 60 Mt/y.

RCT pushes dozer operators in a new direction at Pilbara iron ore mine site

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RCT says it has completed its latest automation and control project for a major mining company at one of its iron ore operations in Western Australia’s Pilbara region.

The autonomous solutions specialist supplied and commissioned its ControlMaster® Line of Sight solution on one Caterpillar D10T2 dozer and one Cat D11T dozer and the associated remote control devices for operators.

Site operators can now stand at a safe location overlooking the production area and direct the dozers to push the site’s coarse ore stockpiles and other required activities, RCT said.

RCT Account Manager, Phill Dean, said the technology will protect site personnel while ensuring effective production.

“This project is part of a long-standing relationship delivering leading-edge technology to the major iron ore producer to ensure smooth day-to-day and ad-hoc business activities,” he said.

“The ControlMaster technology integrated seamlessly into both dozer’s operating systems enabling the operators to access the machine’s full range of functionality available by the OEM.”

RCT will provide ongoing after sales support, scheduled servicing and onsite technical assistance as required, it said.