Efficiently collaborating and innovating

In a true end-to-end offering, this integrated project saw the Mining Minerals West and E&I teams combine with civil and overhead powerline (OHPL) subcontractors to deliver the vertical package of complete construction, load and start-up commissioning through to end user handover of the surplus water project at BHP’s Jimblebar mine. 

“The project was unique as we dealt with the complete vertical package, including elements of design, full load commissioning and handover, it even included training of eventual plant operators,” said Project Manager Trent Murat. 

“The delivery of this project further enhances our capability internally and continues to strengthen our market reputation externally, with this project being another example of our ability to handle all elements of project execution.”  

“It’s really a credit to the entire team that this project was delivered successfully with over 200,000 hours worked. Delivered during a challenging time, with other larger project underway, we had to work collaboratively throughout the company to allocate the right resources and trust heavily in the capability of our support services (especially the recruitment team) to deliver the project together, which pleasingly we were able to do,” said Trent. 

The purpose of the project was to support mine expansion as part of current and future Jimblebar mining operations. During mining, surplus water is generated from pit dewatering activities and requires responsible management and disposal.  

As a result of the surplus water production, and future water production forecast to exceed existing infrastructure, additional water management infrastructure and equipment was needed to collect, store, transport and dispose of the surplus water produced. 

 “During the installation of below ground transfer pipelines, we were able to utilise an innovative solution in the form of a trenching machine and purpose-built trench sanding trailer. This innovation resulted in improved efficiency, where we managed to trench 12km in just 21 days, ready to install our 800mm HDPE (poly),” said Trent. 

“The most pleasing and exciting things for me, are that we have once again successfully delivered this project for a key customer with another very strong safety performance, whilst building on our commissioning execution capability internally as well as showing our customers the benefits of having us execute the commissioning scope” finished Trent.  

The Jimblebar dewatering plan is established to enable the best mine plan and ensure operational production plans over a five-year period are not constrained by dewatering. The completion of this project ensures the right infrastructure and equipment is in place to manage surplus water, allowing the mine to reach its production targets. 

Well done to the team for a successful and innovative project completion!