Location
Pilbara, Western Australia
Client
Pilbara Minerals
Contact
Pilbara Minerals sought our assistance to develop the detailed concrete, civil and EIC design of a new onsite explosive facility for its Pilgangoora Operation spanning ammonium nitrate stores and truck loading, emulsion storage and pump arrangement, diesel fuelling facilities, vehicle park-up and washdown areas, and support offices, stores, ablutions, and workshops.
Our comprehensive engagement includes detailed design for the overall location plan, facility arrangements, and requirements. This comprised detailed earthworks (including access roads), fencing and signage, civil and building concrete design, earthing and lightning protection, area lighting, and mechanical and electrical services reticulation.
Conceptual level designs were also delivered by BG&E Resources for the building and storage shed general arrangement layouts, CCTV and access control, equipment layouts and requirements, and tanks, pump skids and piping.
A key challenge in this project was ensuring the design complied with the updated code of practice for dangerous goods. Our team adopted a future-focused approach, considered resiliency, and reworked the proposed solution to incorporate stricter code elements.
About the Pilgangoora Operation
The Pilgangoora Operation is located 120 km from Port Headland in Western Australia’s Pilbara region and is one of the world’s largest hard-rock lithium deposits.
The operation consists of two processing plants, the Pilgan Plant which produces ~360,000 to 380,000 tonnes per annum (tpa) of spodumene concentrate and the Ngungaju Plant which has a production capacity of 180,000 – 200,000 tpa.
Images: Pilgangoora Operation – Courtesy of Pilbara Minerals, copyright 2023
