Tag Archives: Pilbara

thyssenkrupp helps keep BHP South Flank iron project on track

Bulk handling, Mineral project development, Mining equipment, Mining services, Steel and iron ore, , , , , , ,

thyssenkrupp Industrial Solutions (Australia) says it is on track to deliver the world’s largest rail-mounted stackers and reclaimer on schedule for BHP’s South Flank iron ore project, in the Pilbara of Western Australia.

The company was, in November 2018, awarded the contract to design, supply, construct and commission two stackers that will deposit iron ore into stockyards for loading, and a reclaimer for loading the ore into trains for transport to Port Hedland.

These large machines will each have a capacity of 20,000 t/h, making them the largest rail mounted stackers and reclaimer in the world.

thyssenkrupp developed the two fully autonomous stackers and reclaimer with the latest statutory requirements for functional safety as defined in AS4024 and AS61508. For machine collision avoidance, a combination of GPS, SIL-rated encoders and limits are used. The fully autonomous machines are digitally connected and monitored from a remote centralised control room, according to thyssenkrupp.

Offsite pre-assembly of these locally designed and manufactured machines is well underway in Perth, according to the company, with many of the large pre-assembled modules already complete. These modules are to be transported from their current location at the AMC complex in Henderson, to the BHP South Flank site with construction likely to commence in late January 2020. The first machine will be commissioned and ready for first ore in line with BHP’s 2021 target.

Zoran Matijevic, Project Director – South Flank Project at thyssenkrupp Industrial Solutions (Australia), said: “It has been a great privilege to lead thyssenkrupp’s team through design, procurement, fabrication and preassembly phases so far, and achieve 50% overall project progress milestone ahead of the plan. I look forward to logistics, construction and commissioning phases and final handover of this equipment.”

thyssenkrupp’s Industrial Solutions global Business Unit (BU) Mining has recently streamlined its operations and are now fully focusing on mining equipment, with the engineering centre of excellence for materials handling located in Perth.

FMG enlists Pentium Hydro for more boring at Pilbara iron ore ops

Mine operation news, Mining consumables, Mining equipment, Mining services, Steel and iron ore, , , , , , , , , ,

Vysarn’s wholly owned subsidiary, Pentium Hydro, has won further work with Fortescue Metals Group following an initial order for the iron ore miner’s Chichester operations in the Pilbara of Western Australia.

The two companies have entered into an agreement for hydrogeological borefield drilling and construction services for both the Chichester and Solomon operations.

The contract will see Pentium pocket estimated revenue, based on the initial scope of work, of A$13.3 million ($9 million) for a two-year fixed scope contract with a one-year extension option.

The scope of work as defined under the contract is to provide the drilling and installation of production, injection and monitoring bores to support mining and exploration activities across multiple locations, within the Pilbara region. As defined in the contract these sites are inclusive of Cloudbreak, Christmas Creek, Solomon and Eliwana.

Pentium completed the mobilisation of the first Dual Rotary (DR) drill rig and associated auxiliary plant at Chichester in October 2019 under a previously agreed initial purchase order from FMG.

Pentium anticipates the mobilisation of the second DR rig under the new contract during the month of January.

It said: “Revenue from these works is based on contract key performance indicators for the number of production and monitoring bores and is also subject to metres drilled and drill rates.”

In addition to this work with FMG, Pentium Hydro also has rigs and equipment out at BHP’s Olympic Dam mine, Roy Hill’s iron ore operation and AngloGold Ashanti/Independence Group’s Tropicana gold mine.

Rio invests in new crusher, conveyor and autonomous trucks at WTS2 iron ore mine

Automation, Comminution of minerals, IoT, Mine operation news, Mineral processing, Mining equipment, Mining services, Steel and iron ore, , , , , , , , , , ,

Rio Tinto says it will 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.

In addition to this, the haul truck fleet at the mine will be fitted with Autonomous Haulage System (AHS) technology.

This investment will help sustain the production capacity of its world-class iron ore business, it said.

The new conveyor system at WTS2 will help lower greenhouse gas emissions from the mine by 3.5% compared with road haulage and the business is continuing to assess additional options to reduce emissions, including renewable energy solutions, it said.

Pending final government approvals, construction will start in the March quarter of 2020 with first ore from the crusher expected in 2021. Production of high-quality Brockman ore will support the company’s flagship Pilbara Blend, which continues to be the preferred base load product for China’s steel mills, Rio said.

The project is expected to deliver an attractive internal rate of return with a capital intensity of about $25/t of production capacity.

As part of the investment, the haul truck fleet at the mine will be fitted with Autonomous Haulage System (AHS) technology to enable autonomous haulage at WTS2 from 2021.

Rio said: “The ongoing deployment of autonomous haulage at the company’s Pilbara operations is delivering significant safety benefits as well as enhancing productivity and reducing costs.”

Approximately 50% of the company’s haul truck fleet will be capable of operating autonomously by the end of the year with plans being assessed to expand this in the years ahead.

Rio Tinto Iron Ore Chief Executive, Chris Salisbury, said: “Our iron ore business continues to deliver industry-leading margins as we drive performance from our mines. This significant investment in the Greater Tom Price hub is one of a pipeline of high-quality, low-cost options that will underpin production of our flagship Pilbara Blend product well into the future.”

The investment in the WTS2 mine will help sustain the current workforce at Rio Tinto’s Greater Tom Price production hub. Additionally, at its peak, the construction workforce is expected to number more than 1,000 people.

Monadelphous extends Rio Tinto ties with new iron ore contract

Equipment maintenance, Mine operation news, Mining services, Steel and iron ore, , ,

Monadelphous Group says it has been awarded a contract for the provision of fixed plant maintenance services at Rio Tinto’s Pilbara iron ore operations, valued at more than A$100 million ($66.9 million) in aggregate over a five-year period.

The mechanical and electrical maintenance services contract includes the provision of shutdowns and scaffolding at the operations.

Monadelphous Managing Director, Rob Velletri, said: “The contract allows us to build on our long-standing relationship with Rio Tinto. Our focus will be on the delivery of safe, reliable, innovative and cost-effective solutions.”

He added: “We have seen significant growth in our maintenance division over the last two years, with a more than 50% increase in revenue. This award, which is a continuation of the provision of maintenance services to Rio, ensures a strong pipeline of future work within the iron ore sector in the Pilbara.”

Monadelphous has provided services to Rio Tinto’s iron ore operations in Western Australia for more than 25 years.

Swift Media and Empired connect with Rio Tinto in Western Australia

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Rio Tinto has contracted Swift Media to provide fit for purpose entertainment systems at the workforce accommodation villages at one of its iron ore operations, in Western Australia.

The ASX-listed service provider has been signed up to install and commission Wi-Fi access points as well as configuration of monitoring and management equipment at the Brockman iron ore operation.

This work is to be delivered across 6,600 plus rooms throughout the Brockman area as part of stages 3 to 6 of the Rio standardisation and improvement program, according to Swift Media.

Working under a tight deadline, Swift has been requested to complete the project before the end of this calendar year, it said, adding that the contract is valued at A$1-1.5 million ($692,114-1.04 million) in revenue and includes standard industry payment terms.

Swift Media CEO, Pippa Leary, said: “We have worked closely with Rio over 11 years and look forward to strengthening the partnership going forward. This agreement is central to our core strategy of leveraging our market leading position to drive growthin our key mining and resources vertical.”

Alongside this, IT service provider, Empired, confirmed it had been awarded a five-year IT supply contract with Rio Tinto.

Pentium Hydro and Roy Hill Iron Ore sign drilling contract

Environmental, Mining equipment, Mining services, Steel and iron ore, Water management, , , ,

Vysarn’s wholly-owned subsidiary Pentium Hydro says it has entered into a general works contract for dual rotary and reverse circulation water bore drilling services with Roy Hill Iron Ore in Western Australia.

Under this contract, Roy Hill may at any time over an initial period of two years (which can be extended by Roy Hill for a further year), submit a work request to Pentium to perform works such as dual rotary and RC water bore drilling services, minor civil earthworks and/or rotary air and conventional drilling services, at locations as instructed by Roy Hill.

Pentium has already received and accepted the first work request from Roy Hill for dual rotary drilling and construction dewatering production bores with depths of up to 100 m at the miner’s iron ore operation in Western Australia’s Pilbara region, with the estimated value of this work request being some A$2 million ($1.4 million).

Dependant on the timing of receipt of the purchase order and, subject to mobilisation of the rig prior to Christmas, it is expected this work request package based on the current scope would be complete within four to five months.

Pentium Managing Director, Sheldon Burt, said: “Pentium Hydro is delighted with the award of a contract with a client of Roy Hill Iron Ore’s standing. We are committed to building strong relationships and the development of these relationships is a core component of Pentium’s long-term strategy to be a leading hydrogeological water well service provider in Australia.”

Clough JV to go over and above for Koodaideri iron ore project

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

Clough, as part of Acciona Clough Joint Venture (ACJV), says it has been awarded by Main Roads WA the construction of Great Northern highway road over rail bridge and access road intersection for the Rio Tinto-owned Koodaideri iron ore mine in the Pilbara of Western Australia.

The scope of works includes the construction of 3.6 km of road for the approaches to the bridge over rail, the construction of the bridge over rail, and construction of side road upgrades of the Great Northern Highway and Koodaideri Mine Access Road intersection, Clough said. This is the second transportation infrastructure project awarded to ACJV this year – the first being a civil works contract for the construction of the northern rail formation for Koodaideri.

Clough CEO and Managing Director, Peter Bennett, said: “Our history with Main Roads started in 1957 and we are proud to continue being part of the ongoing development of WA’s transport infrastructure.”

Koodaideri will deliver a new production hub for Rio Tinto’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 this year 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. The project will help sustain Rio Tinto’s existing production capacity by replacing depletion elsewhere in the system, the miner says.

Downer to power up FMG and Alinta’s Chichester Solar Gas Hybrid project

Environmental, Mine operation news, Mining services, Steel and iron ore, Sustainable mining, , , , , , , , ,

Downer is to help turn Fortescue Metals Group’s Chichester Hub iron ore operations into a solar power leader following the award of circa-A$165 million ($113 million) in contracts by Alinta Energy.

These agreements will see the company build Alinta’s 60 MW Chichester solar farm and supporting power infrastructure in the Pilbara region in the north of Western Australia as part of the Chichester Solar Gas Hybrid project, which FMG announced details of last week. It is expected to displace around 100 million litres annually of diesel used in the existing Christmas Creek and Cloudbreak power stations, according to FMG.

The project will see the construction of a new solar photovoltaic generation facility at Chichester Hub iron, as well as a circa-60-km transmission line linking Fortescue’s Christmas Creek and Cloudbreak mining operations with Alinta Energy’s Newman gas-fired power station and 35 MW battery facility.

Work awarded includes the engineering, procurement and construction of the Chichester solar farm, around 60 km of transmission line, two new substations and the upgrade of another, Downer said.

Grant Fenn, CEO of Downer, said the award is another endorsement of Downer’s experience and leadership in delivering renewable energy projects.

“We are looking forward to delivering the project in partnership with Alinta Energy and we are expecting an efficient integration of the solar farm and supporting power infrastructure into Alinta Energy’s existing network in the Pilbara,” Fenn said.

Downer is one of Australia’s largest and most experienced providers in the renewable energy market and power systems sectors, according to the company, delivering services to customers requiring both utility and commercial scale sustainable energy solutions.

The project is expected to be completed in the first half of 2021, Downer said.

FMG to lead from the front in Pilbara renewable energy pursuit

Environmental, Mine operation news, Mining services, Power supply for mines, Steel and iron ore, Sustainable mining, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Fortescue Metals Group (FMG) has signed an agreement with Alinta Energy that will see up to 100% of daytime stationary energy requirements at its Chichester Hub iron ore operations, in the Pilbara of Western Australia, powered by renewable energy.

The Chichester Solar Gas Hybrid project will see the construction of a 60 MW solar photovoltaic generation facility at the Chichester Hub, comprising Fortescue’s Christmas Creek and Cloudbreak iron ore mining operations.

In addition, an approximately 60-km transmission line linking the Christmas Creek and Cloudbreak mining operations with Alinta Energy’s Newman gas-fired power station and a 35 MW battery facility will be constructed, with completion due mid-2021.

FMG said: “Once completed, up to 100% of daytime stationary energy requirements at the Chichester Hub will be provided by solar generation, with the remaining power requirements to be met through the integrated battery storage and gas power station facilities.”

The project is expected to displace around 100 million litres annually of diesel used in the existing Christmas Creek and Cloudbreak power stations, according to FMG.

Fortescue Chief Executive Officer, Elizabeth Gaines, said: “Reliable and competitive energy generation remains an important consideration for the mining sector in Western Australia and as a significant consumer of energy, we continue to identify opportunities that have the potential to lower our costs while also improving our carbon footprint.

“This landmark project is a first on this scale for the Pilbara and will reduce carbon emissions from stationary generation by around 40% at Fortescue’s Christmas Creek and Cloudbreak mining operations, while driving long-term sustainable cost reductions to maintain Fortescue’s global cost leadership position.”

Gaines added that the agreement with Alinta Energy represented a further step in the creation of Fortescue’s Pilbara Energy Connect project, which builds on the company’s previous energy initiatives, including the construction of the Fortescue River Gas Pipeline, the conversion of the Solomon Power Station from diesel to gas generation, as well as a partnership agreement with the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation to develop and commercialise hydrogen technologies.

As part of the agreement, FMG will invest an estimated $250 million in energy transmission infrastructure to complete the integration of Fortescue’s iron ore operations in the Pilbara into an efficient energy network.

Alinta Energy Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Jeff Dimery, said: “We’d like to thank Fortescue and our Chichester Hub project partners for helping to make the company’s long-held vision for a cleaner and more connected energy supply for the Pilbara a reality.

“There’s a lot to be proud of in this project. Working together, we are on the cusp of demonstrating that renewables can drive Australia’s economic powerhouses forward–even for remote and complex industrial applications.”

Alinta Energy will receive federal funding of A$24.2 million ($16.5 million) from the Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA) and A$90 million from the Northern Australia Infrastructure Facility (NAIF), upon satisfaction of standard conditions.

The NAIF loan remains subject to ratification from the Western Australian Government.

NAIF Chief Executive Officer, Laurie Walker said: “NAIF’s A$90 million loan for this project will help provide low emission renewable energy generation for large off-grid customers and paves the way towards the creation of a more interconnected regional energy grid in the Pilbara.

“The project innovatively combines solar and gas fired power to compensate for the variability of solar sourced energy. This investment by NAIF offers the opportunity to make a long-term difference to the Pilbara.”

ARENA Chief Executive Officer, Darren Miller, said: “The project could unlock further investment in renewable energy in the mining sector and other remote and energy intensive operations.

“Alinta’s project will demonstrate how renewable energy solutions can deliver critical energy requirements for major mining operations and help reduce emissions. This will also show how interconnection of loads and different generation and storage -including solar, gas and battery storage -can provide secure and reliable electricity.”

MACA on the road again at Iron Bridge magnetite project

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

MACA says it has been awarded a bulk earthworks contract at the Iron Bridge magnetite project, a joint venture development in the Pilbara of Western Australia between Fortescue Metals and Formosa Steel IB.

The contract is for access roads and infrastructure at the $2.6 billion project, 145 km south of Port Hedland.

MACA said this work is expected to generate revenue of A$26 million ($17.6 million) for the company, with the scope including general earthworks for camp expansion, construction of 26 km of mine access road, construction of the explosive facility and access road, and a further 23 km of road upgrade works.

MACA, which has already started work on the contract, becomes the latest mining equipment, technology and services contract to find work at Iron Bridge, which is expected to deliver 22 Mt/y of high-grade 67% Fe concentrate production following start up in 2022.

Just last month, Weir Minerals was awarded its largest ever individual mining order from the project.