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Project Scope

As part of the new South Flank mine, BHP Mine Operations needed to construct a new haul road from Ore Body (OB) 24 to 25. A constraint in the construction of the haul roads was insufficient ground clearance with the existing 132kV and 66kV overhead powerlines which were the main supply to the Jimblebar mine.

BHP engaged Partum to conduct a feasibility study to assess possible options to enable the construction of the haul road. BHP requested a ground clearance of 19m to ensure safety operating clearances with heavy vehicles.

Following the submission of the feasibility study and selection of the preferred option, BHPBIO appointed Partum to continue
with the preliminary design to enable the equipment selection of the long lead procurement items and the preparation of
the detailed design and construction tender documentation.

Challenges Overcome

  • Existing ground clearance was only 7.2m.
  • Haul road design was not finalised.
  • Unknown structural detail on the existing structures.
  • Duration of powerline outage shortened, resulting in a change in preferred option mid-design.
  • Difficulty obtaining hydrology, soil resistivity and geotechnical data due to site access issues.
  • Tight project duration to meet scheduled shutdown.

Solution

Partum investigated a number of options as part of the feasibility study covering safety, cost, time, reliability, constructability and maintainability.

The end solution comprised of:

  • Reverse engineering existing structures and foundations to determine remaining capacity and parameters for new structures.
  • PLS CADD modelling of existing and new offset powerlines.
  • Achieving a ground clearance of 21m above the new haul road, 2m in excess to that requested, to alleviate potential unknowns with the incomplete haul road design.
  • Detailed design of several new and modified structures and foundations.
  • Incorporating sufficient setback from the haul road to mitigate operation impacts in the event of a falling structure.
  • Preparation of bill of quantities and equipment specifications that reduced procurement lead time and cost.
  • Frequent consulting and assistance provided to the client included the review of manufacturers drawings.
  • Completing preparation of the power and earthing system modelling as part of the HV submission deliverable.

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