Shutdown successes at West Angelas

Shutdowns are critical operational requirements, and typically high-pressure environments. For our team at the Rio Tinto West Angelas Deposits C & D project, their tireless work, methodical planning, teamwork and commitment to deliver on what we promised, saw a series of complex shutdowns delivered safely and ahead of schedule.

The fully integrated structural, mechanical, piping, electrical and instrumentation (SMPE&I) project, inclusive of fabrication through our SinoStruct business and specialist heavy lifting team, began when Australia first felt the impacts of COVID-19. A testament to the team’s leadership, dedication and capability they improved greatly over the duration of the project, finding a solution to support each other and get the job done. 

October 2020 – VF06/ VF07 changeout and Screening shutdown

This shutdown was a two-part, complex and multiple work front shutdown and the team safely completed it ahead of schedule.

A total team of 180 completed the first part of the shutdown (which included punchlisting, VF06 works and screening oversize chute works) 42 hours ahead of schedule, and the second part was completed 44 hours ahead. A great example of teams delivering on not only what we promise but going above and beyond.

January 2021 – Screen Building Shutdown

Despite COVID-19 related travel and people movement impacts and the unique brownfields environment, this shutdown was a success – delivered on time and without injury.

With a team of 80 working on the shutdown it ran smoothly over 130 hours of work.

April 2021 – Bin 6/7 Replacement shutdown

With a short lead time of planning, the full replacement of the top section of Surge Bin 6/7, including the conveyor head end dismantle and rebuild, was a complex brownfields project that required a team effort that delivered the second shutdown of the project safely and ahead of schedule.

This shutdown also included works in the screening building and tail end of Conveyor C003 to install three sets of new training plates and replacement idlers. Two simultaneous work fronts, creating a unique working environment.

Over a busy 276-hour period, a shutdown team of 140 overcame challenges associated with COVID-19 restrictions to deliver the well prepared shutdown 43 hours ahead of schedule. The team was awarded WADCD crew of the month for their performance.

August 2021 – Secondary Crusher Isolation Frame Replacement shutdowns

Another complex shutdown of the project required the removal of the secondary crusher isolation frames, while the adjacent secondary crusher continued to operate.

The team successfully completed an entire dismantle and reinstallation of the secondary crusher isolation frames and vault ring within a one-week period.

The team of 70 achieved a successful shutdown finishing the first crusher three days early, and the second crusher four and a half days earlier than planned. A fantastic team effort!