Comalco Aluminium Limited: NeWeipa Project, Queensland

Comalco’s NeWeipa project is the expansion of its bauxite operations at Weipa, 900 kms north, north-west of Cairns, Queensland. The project involves the construction of a beneficiation plant for processing and crushing ore to enable the processing facilities to operate continuously to meet increased customer demand.

Monadelphous was awarded two contracts to provide structural, mechanical and electrical works for the Andoom and Lorim Point facilities. The Andoom contract is for the beneficiation facility, which includes a new dump station, crushing station and associated conveyor, piping and pump works. The Lorim Point works include a new stacker, new and modified conveyors and electrical and piping requirements.

The Monadelphous team, in cooperation with Bechtel and Comalco project management, conducted intensive pre-planning to help ensure smooth, safe and timely works on the project. The client, independent site auditor and the Mines Inspector have complimented the team on its planning efforts. The NeWeipa project commenced in January 2004 and is scheduled for completion by the end of 2004. To date the project has achieved an excellent health, safety and environmental record.