Glencore’s Ernest Henry Mining (EHM) recently commenced operations from its new kilometre-deep underground hoisting shaft, a project in which Mipac played an integral part, working on underground mine infrastructure, dewatering, and crushing, handling and conveying works.
The AUD589 million project transitioned the mine, located near Cloncurry in north-west Queensland, Australia, from an open pit to an underground operation and added at least 14 years of life to the site.
The operation is currently ramping up copper production to 6 million tonnes a year in 2015 and will double annual metal production to 50,000 tonnes of copper and 70,000 ounces of gold concentrate over an extended mine life to 2026.
The underground project commenced in December 2009 and Mipac became involved in the project in March 2011.
“Mipac worked on the underground mine infrastructure including the central networks station, operator control room, the engineering control room and substation automation,” Mipac Project Manager Ashish Mahajan says.
“Next we focused on underground dewatering, automating five pump stations.
“Lastly, we worked on all crushing, handling and conveying works. We automated the crusher and conveying system to the loading station, from there to the hoisting shaft, and from the hoisting shaft to the overland conveyor.”
Ashish says Mipac quickly gained a reputation for working very efficiently, closely managing time and costs.
Mipac recommended the implementation of the Wonderware Information Server solution for aggregating and presenting plant production and performance data via the web to smart devices.
“EHM managers now have the ability to act on downtime reports even if they are off site,” Ashish says. “They can review live data and deal with potential issues to maximise asset availability in real time.”
Mipac also advised on enhancements to site automation and functionality, conducted operator training, and formulated PLC and SCADA specifications and standards that were adapted across the site.
Now that the project is complete, Mipac is providing 24/7 remote support to the site.
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