South Plant Upgrades, Control Performance
- Client: Rio Tinto Ltd
- Location: Pilbara, Western Australia
- Date: 2021
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Project Overview and Scope
The Mulga Downs Project is a greenfield iron ore development in the Pilbara, encompassing mining, processing and a multi-user stockyard and train loadout hub to support planned production from mid-2026. As part of this development, EMtek was engaged to complete the detailed multi-discipline design of the Mulga Downs Hub, covering the 40 Mtpa stockyard and train loadout facility. Building on the feasibility study and preliminary design, EMtek’s role included progressing the Hub through detailed design, coordinating interfaces across adjacent infrastructure and contractors, and supporting the development of an integrated, fit-for-purpose solution for implementation.
Services and Outcome
EMtek delivered multi-disciplinary detailed engineering for the Mulga Downs Hub, developing the stockyard and train loadout design from preliminary design through staged detailed design and construction support.
Key areas of delivery included:
- Detailed design of the 40 Mtpa stockyard and train loadout facility
- Review of feasibility and preliminary design documentation, with value engineering during the 30% design phase
- Coordination of interfaces across the Hub and adjacent infrastructure, including the processing plant, rail, truck unloading facility, haul roads, utilities and balance machines
- Facilitation of design reviews and incorporation of lessons learnt, technical queries and principal requirements through the 30%, 60% and 90% review stages
- Development of intelligent 3D/BIM design models and technical deliverables to support procurement and project execution
- Support for geotechnical definition, technical specifications and construction-phase design requirements
The design scope covered stockyard pads and stockpiles, stackers and reclaimer rail infrastructure, yard conveyors, third-party truck unloading conveyor interfaces, clean-out sumps, train loadout systems, sample station, perimeter roads, substations, and the water, power, communications and control systems required to operate the facility.
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