MINING EPC / EPCM
Wood has recently announced an alliance with AVEVA focused on accelerating the digital transformation of industries such as power , energy , chemicals and mining with the launch of a new solution called Connected Build . This solution , Woloschuk said , is a key part of the company ’ s digital twin offering .
“ Connected Build optimises project delivery while improving collaboration on new build projects and facilitating the digital modernisation of existing plants and refurbishments ,” he said . “ The new solution capitalises on design efficiencies to deliver the build accurately the first time , unlocking sustainability and value benefits while ensuring worker safety .”
Modularisation
It is not only digital tools that are improving project outcomes , with the modular construction efforts at BHP ’ s South Flank iron ore mine in the Pilbara of Western Australia providing a great case study of where this construction trend can pay off .
This project , which was developed as autonomous ready with the ability to remotely monitor and control all aspects of daily operation from a remote operations centre in Perth , saw Mammoet use its transport expertise to deliver over 1,000 oversized items to site safely and on time . In the process , it pushed transport possibilities to new limits , delivering a 349 t module comprising the train load out bin gate and HPU module for the 80 Mt / y project . This was the heaviest load ever carried along a 340 km stretch of Western Australia ’ s Great Northern Highway .
Fluor was the EPCM provider on this project , with Kaid explaining that some of the company ’ s biggest areas of focus in improving construction outcomes , to date , include the use of pre-cast , pre-fabrication , modularisation strategies . Hatch ’ s Collins said pre-assembly and modularisation of components are providing great value for the company ’ s clients .
“ On a recent mining project , we created an innovative approach to pre-building the floors in a headframe at grade and jacking them into final position ,” he said . “ This saved months from the schedule and millions from the budget .”
The company ’ s pre-assembly design functions extend to mining machinery and shaft bottom equipment at collar level for lowering down shaft in single units , he added , whereby modular design and 3D modelling are used in tandem .
“ We simulate this work in 3D to ensure feasibility and , in so doing , the work is ultimately conducted in a more productive and safer environment ,” he said .
Stantec ’ s Rusk provided another valuegenerating example of modularised construction .
“ We delivered a concept to construction
production upgrade for a large underground operation where the design needed to include a significant increase in production capability with minimal impact on current operations , all while maintaining access to in-use common infrastructure ,” he said . “ Innovation in design , including integrated safety and modularisation , along with early contractor engagement , paved a path to success for the client ’ s operation .”
Sustainable outcomes
All these elements and more are factoring into sustainable outcomes for mining clients that align with their internal goals , while providing benefits to stakeholders beyond the design and construction phase of a project .
Despite widespread acknowledgement of sustainability targets in investor and stakeholder presentations , AFRY ’ s Tikka said the industry is not wholly aligned in the direction of travel .
“ At one end of the spectrum , there are these responsible companies representing both established industry players as well as junior companies that have access to prime funding ,” he said . These firms are striving to strictly comply with all the sustainability goals as per industry standards .
“ Then there are these companies at the other end of the spectrum , often funded from countries and by institutions , that have not yet defined sustainability as a high priority ,” he said .
Regardless of where a client sits on this sustainability spectrum , Tikka said AFRY , as a sustainability consultant , always emphasises the required industry responsibilities in all client relations .
Fluor ’ s Kaid said the market mining companies are operating in is more complex in terms of social ,
“ As Fluor , we are present in a mining community for the duration of a project but always take the opportunity to leave a positive , long-lasting impact we can make to a region after we handed
Regulations are more complex . Stakeholders are paying attention .
We ’ re not in mining because it ’ s easy .
golder . com over a project ,” he said . The identification of local and regional needs and challenges is an instrumental activity in early project stages , according to Kaid . “ This encompasses environmental aspects , community infrastructure needs and maximising potential for local content and upskilling the local workforce ,” he said .
Examples of such engagement beyond Fluor ’ s core engineering and construction activities are water treatment facilities for communities , craft and skilled worker training programs , and improvement of local school infrastructure .
Woloschuk said the introduction of new technology and new thinking will be required to ensure the next generation of projects deliver on the sustainability promises the industry is making .
“ Currently , the mining industry is facing challenges with rising costs , declining grades , ore deposits with more overburden and less infrastructure and , more complex metallurgical challenges ,” he said . “ Driven by a stronger licence to operate , sustainability initiatives and cost factors , adoption of new technologies into today ’ s mines will enable miners to better manage their use of energy , water , and emissions and build stronger partnerships with local stakeholders .”
The relationships between mining EPC / EPCM firms and their mining company clients will be integral to enabling such a transition . IM
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NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2021 | International Mining 41