Altura Mining (Altura) owns and operates the world-class Pilgangoora Lithium Project in WA’s Pilbara region. The mine commenced production in 2018 and has a production capacity of 220,000tpa of spodumene concentrate.
Altura engaged Primero to achieve sustainable nameplate production through the provision of operational support services, the development of a fit-for-purpose asset management strategy and the implementation of supporting systems / processes to achieve higher plant runtime.
Primero was recognised for having design, construction, and operational expertise under one roof and a vertically integrated business model that lends itself to agile and often time-poor operational project delivery.
Primero previously designed plant mods for Altura, implemented those designs and embedded operational and maintenance personnel with the expertise to help drive their O&M systems, processes, and discipline to the next level.
Our production optimisation scope was approached in two phases:
Phase 1: early engagement and definition, including risk/benefit review, operational readiness methodology immediate opportunities, and support.
Phase 1 crystallised in an all-day workshop with Altura, defining risks and opportunities with the potential to immediately impact plant performance. Our services were retained to implement those opportunities in the form of maintenance strategy development and a ‘mod squad’ project team charged with the responsibility to safely drive rapid continuous improvement projects for our client.
Phase 2: execution and establishment of the asset management strategy, including the establishment of documentation, processes, and procedures, determining asset criticality, maintenance tactics implementation, embedding maintenance management processes and operational excellence follow-through.