What we are doing in Whyalla

Whyalla is a South Australian town located 384 km north of Adelaide and 329 km south of our operations at Roxby Downs. Along with Port Pirie and Port Augusta, it’s one of three towns that make up what is known as the ‘iron triangle’.  

As the gateway to the Eyre Peninsula, Whyalla has a close link to the resources industry due to its integrated steel works, with shipbuilding origins and the export of iron ore dating back to 1903. It was even set to be the largest city in South Australia until Adelaide was established!  

We have had operations in South Australia for over 30 years and executed small works in the town over the last few years. Recently our Roxby Downs project team, with support from Perth operations, were awarded their first major contract in the town.  

Later this year, there will be a 35-day cold shut, which is when the whole plant will be turned off, including the furnace. During this time, the team will be refurbishing the pellet plant traveling grate system. The upgrade of this facility is required to achieve new production targets for the customer. 

Pictured above is a traveling grate blanket, which will be replaced during the shutdown. A single blanket weighs 3.8T each, with a total of 48 blankets comprising what can best be described as a metal conveyer.  

As this is the first time that the plant will undergo a major maintenance refurbishment, all existing support structures will also need to be upgraded, requiring pre-assembly and pre-site works. To execute this project, we will have a team of around 50 people across mechanical, electrical and instrumentation disciplines.  

Good luck to the project team – we look forward to an update down the track!