MINING & METALS
"GHD has refined its technical, business and line management capability to deliver an integrated package of services for mine and resource development, ranging from initial studies through to complete engineering procurement and construction management."
Ray Koenig
Mining & Metals
Business Stream Leader
UPGRADE FOR THE CONCENTRATE LEACH THICKENER PLANT AT OLYMPIC DAM
GHD has completed a selection study for the upgrading of the concentrate leaching and thickening operations at Olympic Dam for BHP Billiton. As a consequence of this, the definition phase of the thickening project is currently underway. The project requires replacement of the existing equipment with a completely new design, an increase in capacity, and various enhancements and improvement.
GHD will be responsible for detailed design, procurement and construction management support in the execution phase.
GHD’s process design skills have been utilised to develop the design required for the upgrade and to meet the BHP Billiton toll-gating requirements (a review process between stages of a project).
This project has been undertaken by GHD’s Adelaide office with support from the South Queensland and Roxby Downs offices.
INNOVATIVE DESIGN FOR GLADSTONE COAL TERMINAL
GHD has continued to provide engineering services over four stages for the expansion of the RG Tanna Coal Terminal at Gladstone in Queensland. This has increased the coal terminal capacity from 30 Mtpa to 70+ Mtpa of coal. As well as providing innovative design for the expanded stockpile areas, GHD has designed the third rail receival system, which ties in with existing stockpiles.
The rail receival system required an innovative design approach to meet the challenges by Gladstone Ports Corporation: design the system to fit on the outside of the existing two rail loops and tie in to the existing 18 stockpiles; move existing buildings and services to make way for the rail loop; and build the coal bunkers under the rail in mud.
GHD began the project by modelling the bunker sizes to minimise the depth required to be excavated. Smart design was used to promote an even flow from the bunkers to maximise their capacity.
Connecting to the existing conveyor galleries required a 37-metre high conveyor gantry spanning 75 metres. Using GHD’s bridge design capabilities and working with the constructors, the 100 tonne structure was secured in place in just 90 minutes.
The innovative design for the rail receival system has meant completion of the whole system in around half the time of conventional concrete bunkers used on other coal terminals.
