Engineering at Metalliferous Mines

Orana Engineering was engaged by MMG's Century Mine to review a proposed reagent dosing system within the concentrator. An investigation was conducted which included hydraulic modelling for various reagent dosing system philosophies. Results were presented for a range of design and operating conditions and three solutions were proposed meeting the client's requirements. Factoring in control system complexity and cost, Orana Engineering recommended a preferred option and a back-up option requiring only minor system modifications. The engineering review was completed within a short timeframe and a detailed report provided to MMG detailing hydraulic modelling results and required operational settings for the offered options. MMG was able to use the results to make a decision on the solution ultimately implemented.

Carpentaria Gold identified that bunding around their Ravenswood cyanide storage tank was inadequate. Sodium Cyanide, used in the gold recovery process, is potentially lethal to humans and animals and detrimental to the environment. It is necessary to ensure it can be safely contained in an emergency. Orana Engineering provided an innovative solution comprising a smaller tank fitted inside the existing tank. The design minimised loss of storage capacity by providing a smaller tank for primary storage whilst maintaining the existing external tank to act as the bund. Utilising the existing tank as a bund, Orana Engineering delivered a design that met the client brief while re-using the majority of major tie-in points and providing improved access for maintenance.

BHP Billiton Cannington Mine, located in North West Queensland is a significant miner and exporter of silver and lead concentrate via the Port of Townsville.   Orana Engineering was engaged by Cannington site maintenance to provide workshop fabrication drawings for a replacement cover to address the issue of corrosion that was present around flanges and access openings on the existing SAG mill trommel sump cover.

Orana Engineering was engaged by MMG's Century Mine to design an upgrade within the concentrator for increased flow from a flotation cell to a tailings trough. Orana Engineering conducted a concept investigation of available options to increase the flow rate. Results were presented for a range of design and operating conditions, and a preferred option was selected for detailed design. Orana Engineering design staff created a 3D model of the new pipeline using Autodesk Inventor. The 3D model was used to produce fabrication drawings for pipe supports, new platform and new pipe bridge. Drawings also included isometric pipe spool drawings and revised P&ID drawings.

MMG's Karumba Port Facility engaged Orana Engineering to design a heavy vehicle washdown facility to assist with management of concentrate for site vehicles and machinery. The time frame was short due to operational requirements, such that Orana Engineering worked from concept to IFC drawings in just seven days. The design needed to accommodate a number of different vehicles from fully laden container trailers to a 30 tonne forklift, whilst also ensuring ease of facility maintenance and capture of runoff for environmental compliance. Concept sketches were prepared, from which a detailed design was developed to meet client requirements. Through effective communication with the client Orana Engineering was able to deliver the design in a compressed timeline, to specification and budget.

During an upgrade to the Concentrator at MMG’s Century Mine located in Western Queensland, Orana Engineering was engaged to design a lifting beam for the installation of a new flotation cell.

The IMT project team at MMG’s Century Zinc operations enlisted the assistance of Orana Engineering to produce a set of fabrication drawings for an existing gear box frame which required replacing. Although the frame itself had been in operation for quite some time, there were no detailed drawings available that could be used for the construction of a replacement unit.

FMR Investment's Eloise Copper Mine had a requirement to recommission their No.2 Ball Mill.  During the process of the recommissioning works it was identified that a means to relocate the grinding media to the feed chute needed to be designed and engineered with RPEQ certification.

FMR Investment's Eloise Copper Mine is an underground mining operation producing copper concentrate for export.  The maintenance department of Eloise Copper Mine contacted Orana Engineering with a specific requirement for the design of an access platform for their jaw crusher including engineering certification and drafting.  The client provided Orana Engineering with site measurements and a basic concept of the design they were looking for.

To increase the efficiency of their concentrator, Eloise Copper Mine enlisted Orana Engineering to provide engineering and design assistance with installation of three copper concentrate scavenger cells within the existing plant. 3D models created by Orana Engineering designers were used to visually communicate solutions for new and existing equipment locations and structure arrangements. Detailing of these concept models enabled Orana Engineering to identify key tie-in locations within the plant for survey during the detailed design phase. A multidisciplinary approach during detailed design ensured improved efficiency, with brownfield engineering challenges in relocating / connecting to existing equipment successfully achieved. Upon design completion the client was provided with an installation drawing set and scope of work.