Alcan Gove: Optimisation Project, Northern Territory

Following many years of association with major aluminium producers Alcan, Monadelphous was invited to participate in a $34 million expansion project at Alcan’s alumina refinery in Gove in the Northern Territory.

This project was undertaken in an alliance with the client Alcan, together with Alcan Engineering, J.J. McDonald and Southern Electrical Engineering. The work involved the fabrication and installation of mill slurry heating and interstage cooling (2) facilities. Monadelphous was responsible for all structural and mechanical works.

The optimisation project presented many challenges, particularly relating to the logistics of mobilising to the remote bauxite mining community of Gove, on the Gulf of Carpenteria 450km from Darwin. Monadelphous adopted a thorough approach to planning and logistics and the outcome was exemplary –the project was delivered on budget, ahead of schedule with an excellent safety record.