Choosing a solution that is practical, efficient, costeffective and safe is a simple example of the daily challenges that confront the engineering team from Rio Tinto Iron Ore’s Expansion Projects. This specialist division employs more than 650 engineers and technical staff and is currently responsible for the design and construction of $1.25 billion worth of new mining infrastructure in Western Australia.
According to the division’s Manager of Health andSafety, Ken Nolan, input from operations and maintenance staff during the design stage is critical to the success of every project.
“It is the people who work at the coalface every day who are in the best position to tell us what works and what doesn’t and, importantly, what makes a site safe,” he said.
Once a site has been earmarked for expansion, a pre-feasibility study is completed and detailed engineering design begins. Every aspect of the project is carefully planned to maximise its performance while providing easy access for operations and maintenance personnel and maintaining best practice in quality, health, safety and environmental management.
Left, This system, originally designed for working on jetty pylons above water, has been successfully utilised during construction of a new overland conveyor system extension across the Yandicoogina dry creek bed. The elevated platform creates safe access to each pylon and includes handrails and a kickboard to prevent people and equipment from falling. The cover is a bonus providing sun and wind protection for welders.
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