Paraburdoo Coarse Ore Stockpile Tunnel Ventilation Upgrade 

Sedgman Onyx was engaged by Rio Tinto to complete a pre-feasibility study (PFS) to identify solutions for new ventilation ducting and dust houses to suit both existing and future operations for dust minimisation. 

Rio Tinto’s Paraburdoo Mine reclaims coarse ore through a tunnel system located underneath the stockpile. The ventilation system required upgrade to meet new standards, as well required an upgrade to handle additional capacity from a new from the addition of the Western Range development. 

Details

Location
Pilbara, Western Australia
Contract type
Engineering Design
Status
Completed
Sector
Mineral Processing
Expertise
Upgrades and Overhauls
Client
Rio Tinto

Overview

Our PFS included assessment of  

  • Health, safety and environmental risk reduction 
  • Capital and operation cost  
  • Operability, maintainability and constructability 
  • Compliance with acts and regulations 
  • Alignment with Rio Tinto strategy and other projects. 
  • Carbon assessments for power supply options and emissions. 
  • Assessment of a number of scenarios to provide suitable ventilation during various operating scenarios.  

Sedgman Onyx recommended a solution that suited multiple operating conditions, and considered the space restrictions within the tunnel and for the baghouse. The design was tailored to allow for continued operation under existing licence conditions.