Hi Everyone, this is our first edition of On the Wire for 2022, and we are already well into February. I hope that everyone is back from a good break and fired-up for the challenges ahead of us.
The safety performance within our business unit continues to be excellent, but we were recently given a free kick on a Maintenance and Industrial Services (M&IS) site when a live HV cable sheath was inadvertently cut while performing some mechanical works. No one was injured, but the cut extended through the outer rubber sheath and into the internal insulation, but did not contact the electrical conductor. A reminder that we always need to be aware of the risks and manage them appropriately.
Leading into 2022, we have several projects on the go, as well a number of tenders progressing through the pre-contracts process.
At Albemarle’s Kemerton Lithium Plant, we have been awarded a standalone package of E&I work. The initial scope is a package of site installation and hook-up of electrical, instrument and control systems within Train 2. We are hopeful that we can expand our scope and extend our presence on site, but clearly need to deliver a successful outcome for this initial package of work for this to happen. Our team on site is being led by Zeljko Rezic, who has a reporting line through the existing SMP project management team.
The team at the Rio Tinto Gudai-Darri Project is pushing hard. We are working as part of an integrated SMPE&I team and involved in both construction and commissioning activities. COVID-related travel restrictions have created challenges for us, but pleasing that WA’s hard border is coming down so will alleviate this issue. Craig Wearne is leading our E&I team, which will play an integral part in helping deliver this project for Rio.
The E&I business unit is also supporting a number of smaller contracts in the Pilbara, particularly for BHP. These include ongoing shutdown-related works at South Flank Inflow, and for the Jimblebar Surplus Water Project, which is nearing completion.
Our eastern-states operation is in the process of kicking off a SMPE&I project for Tronox in Broken Hill, NSW. The project is the Heavy Mineral Concentrate (HMC) Upgrade Project, and our contract is to plan and execute a series of shutdowns during 2022. Our SMPE&I contract with Newcrest for the Lihir Island Front-End Recovery Plant has had a few challenges, including a high proportion of COVID-positive workers who are quarantined in the camp accommodation. Some of our own employees are directly affected and we are ensuring that everyone is receiving the highest-possible level of care.
The E&I operation in Gladstone continues to kick goals. Joel Genninges’ team has a healthy backlog of work, supported by numerous ongoing tenders. Joel’s team is chasing some larger scopes that will help underpin the regional operation during this year. With our current activity levels in Gladstone, we are looking for additional people, which is always a good sign.
As we’ve now accepted the reality of living with COVID, we’re continually reviewing and actively managing our response across our operations. While the borders opening in Australia will alleviate travel challenges, it presents increased risk to the spread of the virus amongst the community. Please be assured that our plans are robust and we will continue to do whatever we can to keep you all safe.
Thank you, everyone, particularly those of you who have impacted by COVID-related travel restrictions and have compromised your personal lives to support the business. Stay safe, and please remember to look out for your own, and your teammates’ safety and welfare. The safe way is the only way.
Stuart