Maxitool Mining $7.5M Reclaimer Project

Location: Cape Flattery Silica Mines, Far North Queensland

Scope

Maxitool Mining was engaged by Cape Flattery Silica Mines as head contractor for a $7.5m project to upgrade the site Reclaimer.  The works included efficiency improvements; overall refurbishment of the Reclaimer; some re-design work; and complete blasting and painting of the machine.  Maxitool Mining was required to appoint and manage various subcontractors for the duration of the work.

The detailed scope of work consisted of:

• Complete replacement and upgrade of the hydraulic system – including the hydraulic travel; luff and slew drives; and greasing system;
• Electrical system – including complete wiring, lighting, control system and switchboard;
• Mechanical upgrade – including fabrication and replacement of redesigned bogies; walkways and platforms; gravity take-up unit; boom conveyor system; drive assembly; and cutting / replacing old steel.

Challenges

An active / fluid shipping schedule meant that numerous outages required careful planning to ensure no disruption to Production and Shipping during the works.

Maxitool Mining developed project specific management plans to ensure the work met the challenging project completion deadline.

As head contractor, Maxitool Mining was required to ensure all subcontractors and workers complied with project and site-specific workplace health and safety as well as environmental policies and procedures.

Learnings / Developments

During the project, Maxitool Mining carefully selected and organised equipment and resources to suit individual outages and job specific requirements.

Clear, consistent and timely communication with all stakeholders was key in providing updates on the constantly changing shipping schedule.  Given the schedule changes, careful planning and execution was required to manage numerous outages at short notice.

Achievements / Outcomes

Maxitool Mining completed the project within the contractual time-frame without any major incident and under budget.  The stakeholders are happy with the finished project in terms of safety, quality and value.