Client Need
The Headframe Erection project for EHM is an integral part of the mines transition from open cut to underground mining. It involved the construction and installation of a temporary Skyshaft and Winder Building for the shaft sink, followed by the installation of a 70m high Headframe and permanent Winder Building. This infrastructure was fundamental in boosting efficiency and effectiveness of mining operations and subsequent extension of life of mine.
Project Description
Mineforce was initially engaged for the erection of the new permanent Headframe. During the course of stage one erection, Mineforce was further engaged to fabricate stages two and three, being approximately 700T for the upper Headframe steelwork and a further 400T for the permanent Skyshaft. The award of these further fabrication contracts to Mineforce was in an endeavor to expedite the remainder of the Headframe installation that had fallen behind schedule due to shaft sinking activities.
Scope of Work
- Erection of temporary Skyshaft and Winder Building
- Erection of lower Headframe – 530T
- Fabrication of upper Headframe in overseas facility and Townsville workshop
- Erection of upper Headframe – 700T
- Fabrication and erection of Winder Building
- Fabrication of Skyshaft in overseas facility and Townsville workshop – 400T
Highlights & Achievements
- A challenging concept of this project was working in a limited space onsite with the Shaft Sink contractors. This required significant and thorough coordination between all parties to achieve completion in a safe and timely manner.
- The project was achieved on time.
- This Headframe is only the second to be built on the east coast of Australia in the last decade.
- Mineforce consistently collaborated with the client and used its construction expertise to complete the structure with minimal disruptions to shaft sinking activities, which were on critical path for project completion.
- Mineforce recommended design changes during constructability assessments to achieve significant cost savings in craneage to the Principal and minimised risks associated with working at height.
- Mineforce was able to mitigate major delays in Principal supplied steelwork by taking over the fabrication of the upper Headframe and Winder Building, driving the course of the project.
- Supply and delivery of 1100T of heavy fabricated steelwork from both our local and offshore fabrication facilities happened well ahead of schedule and without defect.
- Mineforce introduced its new Liebherr LR1300 SX 300T Crawler crane, which safely carried out all major lifts.
