Melchor and RTW have kicked off work in the coastal city of Geraldton, WA with the recent award of an exciting new venture.
The project, known as Lease 11 Truck Unloader, forms part of the $350 million Geraldton Port Maximisation Project (PMaxP), a State Government initiative to increase the port’s capacity and cater for emerging industries.
Melchor Project Manager, Ryan O’Rourke explained that the project will create a facility where trucks can unload onto underground conveyors within a large shed.
“The project includes building a facility where single, double and triple trucks can either side tip or belly dump through some grizzlies, onto two new conveyors,” Ryan said.
According to him, the team has hit the ground running with unwavering energy and focus, setting the pace from day one.
“It’s a dynamic group - with many new to Melchor - who have bonded quickly and built a great working environment. It’s this team spirit that is driving progress forward.”
“After many months of pre-mobilisation and project readiness efforts in our Perth office, the first boots were on the ground on April 14th as mobilisation and earthworks began in preparation for piling works.”
“We were then honoured to welcome Minister Stephen Dawson MLC, along with representatives from Mid West Ports Authority, Agilitus, and Melchor to mark the official start of the project.”
The AVO Piling scope, which included the installation of 207 sheet piles, commenced on May 18th and was successfully completed ahead of schedule, within just 27 days. This milestone enables the project to progress to the next phase ahead of schedule.
Alex Longworth, Monadelphous Project Manager within the Mining and Minerals Southern Region, explained that the project will provide a great opportunity to work with the Melchor team.
“As the Melchor team was awarded the head contract, it opens the door to work with the Geraldton Port, and with Melchor generally,” Alex said.
“The area for installing the structural steel is quite small and vertical, and everything needs to happen quickly. With Melchor also undertaking concreting works nearby, close collaboration and planning will be required to avoid any setbacks.”
“We’re currently going through all the initial project kick-off works. A large part of this is getting the designed detailing works completed so that we can commence fabrication.”
The fabrication will be completed in-house through RTW, a Monadelphous business just down the road from our Bunbury branch.
Monos’ main mobilisation will be in late October, with the crew expected to stay until July 2026.