Carrapateena Copper-Gold Mine Commissioning Assistance

An aerial view of Carrapateena Copper-Gold Mine processing plant.

Client

Ausenco – Downer Joint Venture (ADJV)

Location

Carrapateena Mine, South Australia

Timeframe

2019 - 2020

Scope

QGE was engaged by Ausenco/Downer JV (ADJV) to provide electrical, instrumentation and control commissioning and planning assistance for the Carrapateena Copper plant during the start‐up of the facility.

The QGE team completed general pre-commissioning, energisation, testing, and fault finding of Ball, SAG and HIG mills, conveyor systems, flotation systems, cyclones, reagent systems and more. Key roles were played in the commissioning of the high and low voltage distribution systems, comprising HV switchgear, kiosk HV substations, LV switchboards and motor control centres, as well as motors, instrumentation, and control system equipment.

Background

OZ Minerals’ Carrapateena copper-gold mine and processing plant is located 160km north of Port Augusta, South Australia. QGE was engaged by Ausenco (Part of the Ausenco/Downer Joint Venture, ADJV) to provide commissioning support for processing plant and equipment and associated supporting infrastructure. The plant produced first concentrate in December 2019, following a three-year construction period. The project utilized a Rockwell PlantPAX control system, Rockwell’s flagship integrated control system solution. PlantPAX provides “out of the box” integration to a wide range of Allen Bradley equipment, including the switchgear and VVVF drives used in the plant.

Outcomes

The Carrapateena project was large and complex. Multiple vendors, designers and construction interfaces needed to come together during the start up. QGE rapidly mobilised a team of six engineers and technicians to the project to provide a balance of skills and experience. Commissioning was completed on a tight schedule over 5 months at the end of 2019 and into early 2020. The team needed all of their problem-solving skills, and worked collaboratively with vendors, JV partners, designers and other discipline personnel to deliver a commissioned plant for handover to the OZ Minerals operations team.

Why Choose Us

WE ARE THE EXPERTS IN THE FIELD

QGE are recognised leaders in hazardous areas and in grid connected solar PV, which is only possible because of our rock-solid foundation in electrical and controls engineering. We have the knowledge and experience to provide a cost-effective solution, whatever the problem.

WE ARE CONSTANTLY INNOVATING

Our cloud software, controls and telemetry solutions, and grid export control panels are all products of our ongoing investments in new technology and engineering processes, and we continue to push the boundaries with involvement in blockchain and peer-to-peer energy trading.

WE ARE EASY TO WORK WITH

At QGE we genuinely enjoy what we do, which means we’re always willing to go the extra mile for our customers to deliver the right solution. We have great client relationships because people like working with us.

Testimonials

Over several years, QGE have provided control systems design and on site support for upgrades and expansion projects. We’ve been very satisfied with the quality of their solutions and the high level of support they have provided our remote mine site.

Jude Barnes

Sepon Mine Site - MMG

QGE have worked with us for several years on hazardous area issues and have classified a number of our facilities, including new-technology processes, where we’ve been very satisfied with the pragmatic approach they’ve taken and the outcomes for our business.

Ferdi van Staden

Coogee Chemicals

The QGE team understood the project’s constraints and requirements, and were able to deliver a commercial solution that has allowed Agrimin to achieve a higher renewables penetration and lower energy cost than it had expected.

Rhys Bradley – Chief Commercial Officer

Agrimin