McConnell Dowell says it has signed a design and construct contract with Queensland Alumina Limited (QAL), a Rio Tinto majority-owned subsidiary, for the delivery of a waste line replacement at the Parsons Point alumina refinery in Gladstone, Queensland.

“This marks the start of what is hoped to be a longstanding partnership with QAL and continues our successful relationship with major shareholder Rio Tinto,” the company said.

The waste line replacement project encompasses the scope of designing the new waste line and the augmentation design of the support structure; removing the existing pipeline; augmenting the support structures, including around 1,400 piles within tidal and marine zones; and installing the new waste line – 8.8 km of DN 350 SCH 60 above-ground steel pipeline.

Works have commenced on the project and will be delivered through 2020 and 2021, according to McConnell Dowell.

“McConnell Dowell’s market leading pipeline construction capability, our expertise in working in marine environments, and our commitment to maximising local participation, provides a strong foundation for project success,” the company said.

QAL is an independently managed joint venture owned by Rio Tinto (80%) and Rusal (20%). The refinery produces around 3.7 Mt/y of smelter-grade alumina, according to Rio.