KOODAIDERI GIG FOR KERMAN
Kerman Contracting is to build an automated iron ore sampling processing laboratory at Rio Tinto’s Koodaideri mine site, in the Pilbara of WA.
The contract award from Scott Technology Ltd will see the company start construction on the lab in the June quarter of this year, with estimated completion in February 2021. The scope includes the civil and concrete works, as well as the structural, hydraulic, electrical/communication works and fire protection.
The supply, installation and commissioning of robotics equipment will be undertaken by Scott. Kerman is also working on
Rio Tinto’s other major iron ore expansion project in the Pilbara, the Western Turner Syncline 2 (WTS2) iron ore project.
Kerman managing director Chris Kerman said that Kerman and Scott had been working collaboratively on refining the scope and price over the past nine months.
“We are now looking forward to getting the project underway and establishing a long lasting business relationship with Scott,” he said.
In February, Scott Technology was awarded a significant contract by Rio Tinto to design and build the automated mine site laboratory, which involved the building construction and equipment supply for the robotic sample preparation and analysis laboratory.
Koodaideri, billed by Rio as an “intelligent mine”, will deliver a new production hub for Rio’s iron ore business in the Pilbara, incorporating a processing plant and infrastructure including a 166 km rail line connecting the mine to the existing network.
Construction on Koodaideri Phase 1 started in 2019 with first production expected in late 2021.
Once complete, the mine will have an annual capacity of 43 Mt, underpinning production of the company’s flagship iron ore product, Pilbara Blend.