During the month of August, the Heavy Lift team delivered a successful shutdown at Solomon Mine. Completing over 15,900 hours of work with a crew of 125 people, the KV25OP02 Shutdown wasn’t just about getting the job done, it was about doing it better, together.
Following the March shutdown, the team saw an opportunity to improve how these major works were planned and delivered, particularly in the area of safety. Instead of making changes independently, the team brought operational leaders together early in the process to talk through what worked, what didn’t, and what could be done differently. Every issue was laid on the table and solutions were worked through as a team. This process not only created practical, targeted actions but also secured genuine buy-in from the leaders who had to carry them forward. The shift in ownership and accountability has been significant, and the results spoke for themselves with stronger safety outcomes, smoother execution, and a renewed sense of confidence from the client.
Collaboration between Monadelphous and Fortescue was a critical success factor throughout the shutdown. Both teams worked closely throughout planning and delivery, maintaining clear communication and adapting quickly to changing conditions. Supervisors, crews and client representatives were aligned, with open feedback loops quick problem-solving creating a positive culture on-site.
Safety remained a top priority. The team took lessons from the previous shutdown and turned them into targeted actions that made a real difference. The team also saw a marked increase in safety interactions and reporting quality, which was positively recognised by Fortescue. Leadership visibility in the field was high, reinforcing standards and supporting crews, while Monadelphous HSEQ advisors were present across day and night shifts, providing support and guidance to all parties involved.
Continuous improvement was also front of mind with several initiatives introduced to enhance safety and efficiency. One proposal involved having Mine Services crew members complete EWP VOCs on-site, ensuring qualified personnel are always available, a change expected to be in place before the December shutdown. The team are also in the process of testing new technology, including the Blok Alert system, which alerts nearby personnel when the crane’s hook block is in motion. This can be activated remotely by the rigging crew or the operator, improving awareness and reducing risk. Another innovation underway is the Tadano Surround View system, which uses multiple cameras to give crane operators a full 360° view of their surroundings. Monadelphous is currently working with Tadano to trial this system on the AC300.
Feedback from the shutdown was extremely positive. There was strong collaboration across all scopes, and the team adapted well to SIMOPS and shifting site conditions. Field interactions, KPI performance and asset reliability all showed clear improvements compared with previous shutdowns.
To keep the momentum going, the Heavy Lift team has introduced a new format for pre and post-shutdown reviews, helping to lock in lessons learned and drive continuous improvement. One of the biggest steps forward has been the rollout of Shutdown Expectations, a set of clear, role-specific guidelines for Supervisors, crane operators, riggers and truck drivers. These outline the minimum standards for safety, communication, planning and field execution to ensure that everyone is on the same page before the work begins.
By setting a consistent benchmark and reinforcing it through daily interactions, the team has seen stronger coordination, fewer preventable incidents and better compliance in the field. Combined with ongoing investment in supervisor development and crew retention, these initiatives are helping build a safer, more capable shutdown workforce.
KV25OP02 was a great example of what happens when our people work together with purpose. Through early planning, open communication and a shared commitment to safety and improvement, the Heavy Lift team delivered a result that sets a high standard for future shutdowns.