MINING EPC / EPCM
provide a level of risk mitigation , according to Rusk . This , he says , continues to ensure mines get built and produce to design specifications .
When Stantec provides such operational input during EPCM engagement , it is able to back this up over the long term ; something that clients continue to appreciate .
“ For example , we still have someone working on a very large underground operation that we had supported with EPCM services seven years ago ,” Rusk said . “ We provide operational readiness and other support during and after the construction period .”
Despite all the challenges Rusk raised , he saw the integration on projects within the EPCM space improving in many areas , with some exceptions .
He explained on the latter : “ To take this one step further , we see the big push for net-zero goals . But some operations are not proceeding in an integrated way , and there are some pretty ambitious goals out there . Are the goals going to be achieved with a retrofit or bolt-on solution that comes later ?”
The integration of wind or solar power to an already-constructed energy system may be an approach mining companies look at today , but , according to Rusk , the stronger , more integrated approach is to build an expandable energy storage and balance system into the original project design to take advantage of power recovery opportunities , as well as alternative power options .
“ We know it can be done ,” he said of such integrated thinking . “ Think about how we look at safety in the design phase . We don ’ t design and build a facility only to come along afterwards and install platforms and handrails . We ’ re fully integrated with safety in our mine designs . We need to make the same transition with energy systems if we want to get to net zero in a timely and effective way .
“ There is the urgency now to start making these changes , and that ’ s what we ’ re encouraging clients to do – plan for incorporating energy-reducing , recovery and alternative elements in the design stage : don ’ t wait until it ’ s already built !”
One such example is the Roy Hill iron ore operation in Western Australia , where WSP Golder acted as the Project Management Consultant to help deliver over $ 10 billion worth of infrastructure for an operation that has a nameplate 55 Mt / y capacity . This included a 344- km heavy haul railway from mine to port and a new two-berth port facility at Port Hedland .
Delivered to practical completion of the EPC contract with Samsung C & T in May 2016 , a project of this size and complexity was helped by WSP Golder embedding operating and maintenance systems into the operation during Roy Hill ’ s development .
And projects being designed today can build on new building information modelling ( BIM ) expertise with a digital twin , according to Wilson , who pointed to this modelling development as the area of greatest potential for mining .
“ The ability to ‘ build it twice ’ – once in a virtual environment through 4D and 5D simulation , and then only once in the field – has reaped enormous benefits in terms of efficiency and assurance for mining clients ,” he told IM . “ Through IoT and digital twinning , there ’ s enormous potential for the mining industry in terms of automation and the ability to harness artificial intelligence ( AI ) to improve efficiency .”
WSP Golder ’ s experience in digital engineering in the infrastructure sector and success in other markets such as transportation , water utilities and buildings – where the implementation of these technologies is more mature – allows the company to rapidly deploy mining-ready solutions , according to Wilson .
Such tools will be useful not only for the major miners WSP Golder serves , but also early-stage junior companies seeking the ability to test out new flowsheets or mine layouts in the digital world before issuing equipment selection details in technical reports usually leveraged to raise mine development finance .
“ We tailor our approach depending on the maturity of the clients ’ systems and processes and adapt to the needs of the project as it develops ,” Wilson said . “ Our deep and rich history in mining across the globe allows us to assist junior miners in the early stage of project development in understanding the project development pathways , infrastructure required and capital costs , without exhaustive studies and engineering .”
And , like Stantec , WSP Golder is aware of the critical need to include operations teams as key stakeholders for the success of any EPCM project it works on .
“ We recognise this stakeholder element and understand that , whilst critical to project success , it also needs to be deliberately managed to ensure efficient progress and delivery of the project in an EPCM environment ,” Wilson said .
“ Our focus is centred on gaining alignment on project objectives at the commencement of each of the project development stages . Ensuring alignment on objectives by all stakeholders , particularly for operations in the EPCM stage , allows decisions during project execution to be made with clear end objectives and promotes efficient delivery of the project .
“ Our clients are aware of the need to involve operations expertise , and our having a deliberate framework and process to bring that into the EPCM project environment is highly valued .”
Tailored treatment
Nordic-based engineering and consulting company , AFRY , has seen a divergence in
‘ Build it twice ’
As a collaborative organisation with a history of partnerships , alliances and integrated owners team delivery models , WSP Golder is focused on aligning with project goals , and developing and maintaining relationships within projects , according to Damian Wilson , Director of Mining Infrastructure & Project Delivery .
Against a backdrop of industry skills shortages , this has seen WSP Golder focus on more partnership-type models on large infrastructure projects in mining , he said .
AFRY has had a presence at Boliden ’ s Kevitsa mine , in Finland , for more than a decade , continuing to provide local engineering services to the mine well after initial project implementation back in 2010- 2012 ( photo : Boliden )
46 International Mining | NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2022