Evolution Cowal
Underground control system integration
- Lake Cowal, NSW
- Yokogawa Centum VP
- Mining
Project Overview
Evolution Mining’s Cowal operation (CGO) is a dynamic open pit mining venture, extracting resources from various faces within a single expansive pit. Presently, the operation encompasses an open-cut mine, an underground exploration decline, a gold treatment plant, tailings storage facilities, as well as associated infrastructure and stockpiles.
The Cowal Underground Project marks an ambitious endeavour involving the establishment, advancement, and management of a new underground gold mine situated on Mining Lease 1535. This strategic initiative is geared towards augmenting the current production levels of the existing open-cut mine, thereby extending its operational lifespan from 2032 to 2039.
Project Location
The Cowal Underground Project sits within Evolution Mining’s Cowal Gold Operation, situated adjacent to the ephemeral Lake Cowal. It is located approximately 45 kilometres from the town of West Wyalong and 350 kilometres west of Sydney. This project is nestled within the Bland, Lachlan, and Forbes Shires, occupying the traditional lands of the Wiradjuri People.
Project Scope
The existing Process Control System at Evolution Cowal used a Yokogawa Centum VP platform for the process plant and supporting systems. Several Field Control Stations (FCS) are also deployed throughout the site to monitor and control the process plant and support services.
Mipac was engaged to provide all the necessary programming and configuration required to add a fully functional Yokogawa FCS, HIS and data network to the existing Process Control System. This project also included completing the electrical design and supplying the control system panels.
This is the first time Mipac has worked with Evolution Cowal.
Project Challenges
Several challenges were encountered by the Mipac project team throughout this project. These challenges included:
- The project had no set deadlines or timelines, which made it difficult for Mipac resources to be allocated.
- Project requirements changed occasionally, meaning the project team had to remain agile in how it delivered the work required.
- The client used a different document control system, which required additional training for the project team.
Project Outcomes
This project is still ongoing, with expected completion in June 2024. To date, Mipac has completed the electrical design (April 2023) and supplied the control system panels (May 2023).
The site services for the underground mine have also been fully integrated, meaning that operators can now access these from a centralised system. The benefits of this include:
- Having a graphical representation of what is happening at various parts of the mine without having to be on location
- Immediate notification of emergencies or safety issues, meaning operators can respond without delay
Want to know more about how we can work with your operation?
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We can help with building new operations, optimising existing operations, modernising existing operations and main automation contracting. Find out more from Mipac.
