Leading project delivery company WorleyParsons RSA is now more than halfway through its scope of work at the Black Rock Mine Operations (BRMO) on a project that will see the modernisation of the mine to optimise resource exploitation and to create the flexibility within the underground operations to ensure that the mine can more effectively react to changes in market product requirements.

Comprising the Gloria and Nchwaning II and III underground mines in the Northern Cape, the Black Rock Mining Complex is operated by Assmang Limited, which is jointly owned by African Rainbow Minerals Limited and Assore Limited. It is located on the world-renowned Kalahari Manganese Formation (KMF), known to contain the largest, land-based manganese deposit on earth.

WorleyParsons RSA has been involved with the project on a continual basis since 2010. The head office-based design team and site-based construction team reached a total of 72 at project peak. The project delivery company is providing engineering, procurement and construction management (EPCM) services for the entire underground portion of the project that includes new and upgraded ore handling infrastructure, the refurbishment of an existing shaft as well as the development of a new ventilation shaft – an extensive and challenging project, according to Peet Greyling, Project Director, Major Projects for WorleyParsons RSA.

Greyling says that the client is satisfied with the progress to date and emphasises an outstanding safety record as one of the project highlights, adding that WorleyParsons RSA has instituted a very comprehensive Safety, Health, Environmental and Quality system to ensure that all contractors are adequately trained, prepared, informed and inducted before they are allowed on site. The WorleyParsons RSA site team, in partnership with a total of 1 211 contractors to date, has achieved in excess of 1 450 days on site without a fatality and over 700 shifts without a single lost time injury.

He notes that there are a number of contractors that stand out in this regard and include Murray & Roberts, commissioned to complete a risky and challenging shaft sinking project through Kalahari sandy formations; Stefanutti Stocks, responsible for the construction of the winder house; Winder Controls who is handling the winder installation; construction expert Group Five, awarded the Gloria shaft stripping and second escape package together with the Nchwaning II headgear and shaft upgrade; and Aveng Mining who were commissioned to undertake the development work for the Nchwaning II mine.

“Another major factor attributing to the success of this project thus far is the very good understanding and positive relationship between all the stakeholders, including the EPCM, contractor, client and the mine operation teams,” says Greyling. “Due to the complexities of this project, stakeholder management is vitally important.

The WorleyParsons team has a very professional relationship with the contractors who all understand that the success of any project depends on good team work. Considering the size of the project, we have had very few problems,” concludes Greyling.