Primero utilised a 3D Building Information Modelling (BIM) design process to streamline the flow of information to the local contractor.
Detailed Design
The ore preparation process plant consists of a two-stage open circuit crushing plant and agglomeration circuit. Stockpiled agglomerated ore is reclaimed and loaded into haul trucks for delivery to the heap leach pad.
The plant is located on the side of a steep embankment with a total fall of 65m over a linear distance of only 240m. This challenging terrain created a unique set of difficulties requiring an innovative design approach. Primero’s solution consisted of 10 cascading process pad areas following the natural ground contours.
The resulting pads limited the amount of earthworks and provided an optimised process layout. The project scope included civil, structural, mechanical, electrical and control systems design in addition to vendor procurement and management.
Design Management
Primero utilised a 3D Building Information Modelling (BIM) design process to streamline the flow of information from Primero to local installation contractor. A hybrid system of smart 3D models in conjunction with traditional 2D drawings were transferred to the local contractor to compress the design schedule, reduce the number of design hours and decrease the chance of errors between design and construction.
Innovation through engineering process improvement and industry leading safety in design resulted in a successful multi-disciplinary design delivery.
Throughput Expansion
After the successful delivery of stage 1, Primero was sole sourced to execute the design of stage 2, increasing the capacity of the original plant from 4Mtpa to 8.2Mtpa by means of a second parallel plant and upgrades to the existing plant agglomeration circuit. This involved navigating significant technical challenges as they related to existing plant layout and challenging topography of the region.
Primero was responsible for the process, mechanical, structural, piping and electrical aspects of the detailed design activities as well as management of equipment procurement, site support during construction and commissioning assistance.
