Magnetite Storage Shed Extension

  • Client:Xstrata Copper
  • Location:Townsville Port
  • Timeline:2010 - 2011
  • Contract Value:$6 Million approx.
  • Contract Type:Lump Sum
  • Services:
    • Structural Fabrication
    • Civil, Structural & Electrical Installation

Client Need

The Magnetite Storage Shed project involved construction of a major 50m wide x 80m long extension to Xstrata Copper’s existing bulk storage shed facility at the Townsville Port.  The storage shed was required to accommodate the export of 1.2 million tonnes per annum of magnetite concentrate from its Ernest Henry Mining operation near Cloncurry.  The storage expansion was a critical link in the company’s logistics chain and a successful milestone in Xstrata Copper becoming Queensland’s first exporter of magnetite concentrate.

Project Description

Mineforce was responsible for the structural fabrication and civil, structural and electrical installation of the project.

Scope of Work

  • Fabrication and erection of building superstructure
  • Fabrication, erection and commissioning of roof loading conveyor
  • Fabrication, erection, commissioning and relocation of crossover conveyor
  • Installation of dust curtains
  • Roof and wall cladding for superstructure
  • Civil works comprising the complete construction of pile caps, pedals and ground beams, as well as forming and pouring of concrete retaining walls, ground slabs and water tank ring beam.
  • Electrical installation comprising supply and install of:
    • HV cabling into substation
    • Lighting and control gear
    • Fibre optic into concentrate storage
    • Switch room, PLC and control room fit out and testing

Highlights & Achievements

  • The project was successfully completed by our multi-disciplined team on time and within budget.
  • All construction activities were carried out around an operating concentrate loading facility without disruption to the client’s primary business activities.
  • Transport and erection of building materials required careful coordination due to lack of available real estate for laydown and storage.
  • Erection sequence and execution was successfully planned to be able to complete the erection of the superstructure from within the building footprint.  This was due to a lack of available land around the complex for storage and height access equipment.
  • The project was completed with an excellent safety record - zero incidents.