Engineering and construction specialist Kentz in August successfully installed a 250 t mechanical assembly in one lift at Brazilian mining major Vale’s Mozambique-based Moatize coal mine industrial complex, which, says metals and mining project manager Steven Gouws, was the heaviest lift executed on all projects completed in Mozambique to date.

He says the installation, which can handle 18-million tons of coal a year, comprises a wagon tippler used for offloading double train wagons that typically carry about 130 t of coal.

“To place the critical machinery, the design of the wagon tippler installation needed to include the fabrications of an erection trestle that would also act as the lift spreader beam. This design allowed for the 750 t crane to install the wagon tippler using a super lift.”

Gouws adds that, with an array of 160 t shackles, heat-treated hanger rods and 165 t nylon slings, the engineered rigging equipment ensured that the entire operation was within 82% of the crane load capacity and 87% of the rigging gear’s working load.

The successful installation, which was assembled by Kentz engineer Ian Reitlander and supervised by Kentz rigging superintendent Raymond Jacobs, took 12 months to plan.

Once complete, the Moatize coal project will be one of the largest coal mining projects in the world, with the capacity to handle 26-million metric tonnes of coal a year, says Gouws.

He highlights that Kentz, a member of the Canadian engineering and construction group SNC-Lavalin Group, has 15 500 employees operating in 36 countries worldwide. “We have provided engineering, construction and technical support services for clients in the energy and resources sectors for more than 90 years,” he adds.

Gouws says the company has been delivering top-quality services to leading international clients in all sectors of industry and commerce since 1919.

“With an extensive record in executing projects of the highest quality, to agreed schedules and within budget, we are totally dedicated to innovation and excellence in the provision of all our services.”

Kentz’s services are enhanced through associations and established working relationships with local and international contractors and specialist vendors. Further, it has significant experience in alliance and working agreements with third parties, combining the company’s joint resources to successfully execute projects.

Kentz has a significant worldwide presence that enables the company to meet client demands. “Across the group, we provide a full range of technical and project management skills to assist clients operating worldwide in developing new projects,” Gouws concludes.