Mining & Resources Structures

In remote mining projects, the cost of site labor and equipment often outweighs the cost of steel. We optimize by modularizing conveyor galleries, transfer towers and platforms into transportable units that are bolted together rather than built piece by piece. Repeating truss panels, standard trestle types and common connection details reduce engineering and fabrication effort, while early agreement on module sizes avoids redesign when transport routes and crane availability are confirmed.

Typical fabricated items include conveyor gallery trusses, trestles and bents, transfer tower frames, bin and hopper supports, screen and crusher support steel, stairs, walkways and handrail systems. Welding follows the AS/NZS 1554.1, AWS D1.1 or EN 1090 execution class requirements specified for the project. Modules are trial-assembled in the shop where bolted interfaces, conveyor alignment or chute fit-up are critical, and every piece is marked with durable identifiers for straightforward assembly in remote laydown areas.

Each project follows an inspection and test plan with hold points for primary structural members, module assemblies and vibrating equipment supports. Materials are traced from mill certificates to piece marks, welds receive visual inspection and the ultrasonic or magnetic particle testing required by the specified category, and module dimensions, bolt patterns and conveyor alignment points are checked before dispatch. Records are compiled into a QC dossier structured by plant area and module number.

Mining environments combine abrasion, dust, moisture and sometimes acidic or saline process conditions. We commonly recommend hot-dip galvanizing for walkways, stairs, handrails and secondary steel, and robust multi-coat systems for primary members selected to ISO 12944 categories such as C4 or C5, with CX considered for aggressive process areas. Detailing avoids ledges that trap spillage, and touch-up procedures for site bolting areas are included with the coating specification.

Remote mine sites demand careful logistics planning. We size modules to the transport route and lifting equipment, pack steel by plant area and erection zone, and sequence shipments so critical-path structures such as transfer towers and conveyor trestles arrive first. Bolts and small items are bagged and labeled by module. Break-bulk and container shipments are combined as needed, with export documentation, marking schedules and packing lists supplied for customs and site receipt.

We support the erection contractor with module assembly drawings, erection sequences and lifting information including weights and centers of gravity. Our engineers can provide input to method statements for tall towers and long conveyor galleries, including temporary stability checks during staged erection. Where agreed, we provide technical supervision or advisory visits during the assembly of key modules and alignment of conveyor structures.