Rio Tinto Iron Ore has just commenced a major sustaining capital project in the Pilbara region of Western Australia, spending almost AU$50 million to replace the original stackers at the Paraburdoo mine, and creating approximately 100 jobs.
Technology provider Tenova TAKRAF is leading the design and implementation phases of the stacker replacement and has committed to sourcing all material and equipment from well known, reputable suppliers with a preference for local content. The engineering technology centre (located in Perth), is set to manage all the lead engineering work to replace the stackers, which are large pieces of machinery used to evenly distribute ore into stockpiles.
The old stackers were part of the mine’s original infrastructure, stacking the very first load of iron ore from Paraburdoo in 1972. They accumulated over 800 million tonnes of iron ore throughout their 46 years of operation. In comparison, the new stackers include modern advances in engineering design and mechanical technology, the latest generation variable-speed drive control and fibre optic network infrastructure, as well as an anti-collision system with GPS back-up, all of which are fully automated and monitored from the Operations Centre in Perth.
Western Australia’s Premier Mark McGowan visited Paraburdoo to mark the start of the project.
“Construction and replacement of these stackers will allow Rio Tinto to work out of Paraburdoo for years to come, and importantly, create job opportunities for Western Australians,” announced the Premier.
“I congratulate Tenova TAKRAF for committing to sourcing materials from well-known, reputable suppliers with a preference for local content,” he said.
The design phase will create approximately 10 to 15 Perth-based roles, with around 80 Western Australian based roles likely to be required during implementation. In addition to this, up to 30 Pilbara-based roles will be required to prepare the site and install the plant.
“This is great news not only for Paraburdoo, but also for jobs here in WA. This project is an important part of our sustaining capital program for 2018 and we’re pleased to be supporting local businesses with this significant body of work,” announced Rio Tinto Iron Ore chief executive Chris Salisbury.