Our team in Kalgoorlie has been busy making significant progress on a Bypass and Screen Project, which focuses on improving ore processing through several key upgrades.
The team has been responsible for installing a bypass system into an existing Agglomerator Feed Chute, an elevated 100-metre conveyor, a new fine screen structure, a new vibrating fine screen, and multiple additional conveyor systems.
A major milestone was the safe and successful installation of the vibrating screen, a central feature of the project.
In gold mining, screens play a crucial role in separating gold-bearing ore from waste materials by classifying the material according to size. This helps to optimise gold recovery, improve efficiency and reduce waste.
Vibrating screens use controlled vibrations and various opening sizes to separate materials of different sizes. Fine screens, in particular, use smaller openings to isolate finer particles for further processing.
These systems help prepare ore for the next stages of processing, such as flotation or gravity separation.
Senior Project Engineer Kieran Russell said the screen was crucial to this project.
“The Screen is the heart of the project, so it was a great milestone to have it installed successfully and safely,” Kieran explained.
The installation of elevated conveyor trusses has also made a clear visual impact on site, changing the appearance of the dry plant while playing an important role in the project.
“It made a noticeable difference,” Kieran said.
The project began in late March with a team of around 25 people, including Monadelphous crews. Since then, work has progressed steadily, and the team is now approaching the final stages with strong momentum.
“The crew have performed strongly, and there is excellent morale amongst the team as we approach the finish line,” Kieran said. “It is rewarding to see progress grow day over day, and having a large project close to town and the Kalgoorlie Branch has been a big plus.”
Once complete, the project will improve operations by allowing finer ore to be separated from the feed and sent to another facility where gold recovery rates are higher. The upgrades will also allow ore feed to continue upstream of the bypass during downtime by using an emergency stockpile at the new screen building.
The team remains focused on completing the job efficiently and safely while maintaining a positive atmosphere on site.