Case Study

BHP Olympic Dam Cantilever Remediation Project

Client

BHP

Industry

Resources & Infrastructure

Services

Project & Engineering

Project Scale

Circa $10M

Project Overview

“Safety Paramount”
The Olympic Dam mine is a large poly-metallic underground mine located in South Australia, 550 km NNW of Adelaide. ENC was engaged by G&S Engineering, a subsidiary of DRA Global, to project manage remediation works to the concrete cantilever support columns beneath the operating copper processing plant. ENC Group were tasked with re-engineering and design of the cantilever support columns and foundations.

Location

Olympic Dam Copper Process Plant – Roxby Downs, South Australia

Challenges Faced

The Issues

Workplace Health and Safety (WHS) on this project was of paramount importance, with potential exposures to both hazardous chemicals and potentially fatal poisonous gasses, both nearby and direct at the work area. Maintaining both productivity and safety performance on this project was a constant, major challenge. All works was carried out beneath the operating copper processing facility under extremely difficult, changing conditions.
During these works the Covid-19 pandemic national emergency was called requiring rapid de-mob of the entire crew.

What We Did

The Solution

ENC was committed to providing a safe workplace and placed specific emphasis on crew training in the hazards that existed on this project and what was required to manage and perform the works safely at all times. Of particular importance was the need to report any occurrence, no matter how minor it may seem at the time. For instance, if any aluminium was exposed to the substance on the floor drainage sumps, then a highly toxic, potentially fatal Arsine gas could be emitted. Although aluminium tools and equipment was not permitted to be used in this area, it was impossible to avoid, as power tools and supports required to be used contained aluminium. Special arrangements were initiated and approved by BHP to both control the task and put in place specific requirements should anything occur.

What Impacts Did Our Involvement Have?

The Outcome

Although one such incident did occur, the highly trained crew carried out the emergency plan to the letter, resulting in all personnel avoiding exposure. This was testament to the training provided, daily communications and commitment of all on this difficult project. The event was immediately reported to BHP management that rapidly initiated the required response to make the area safe for re-entry. ENC management commitment to WHS on all projects was evident again on this project, assisting BHP to maintain WHS requirements to the highest possible level. Additionally, the de-mob of the crew due to Covid was strictly controlled and successfully executed within 48 hours.