KCGM Growth | Projects | Boretech Contracting

INTRODUCTION

Boretech were engaged by NSR to complete multiple Electrical Underbores beneath the main access road to KCGM mine as part of the KCGM Growth project. This was part of their upgrade to their processing plant increasing their output from 13 million tonnes per annum to 27 million tonnes per annum.

SCOPE

Boretech were responsible for the below activities:
– Project Planning / Methodology / CRAW
– Developing and implementing Traffic Management Plan & Traffic Management Scenario
– Service Locating & Potholing of all existing underground services
– Procurement of all material
– HDPE pipe welding
– Installation of 5 x 30m Road Crossings in Hard Rock
– 4x DN315pe
– 1x DN110pe

EQUIPMENT

BT-091 – Ditch Witch AT32 rock drill
BT-199 – Isuzu FYJ 8×4 beavertail and custom mud mixing system
BT-170 – Hitachi ZX33U-5A Excavator
BT-093 – Tandem Axel Beavertail trailer
BT-026 – Chevrolet Silverado 2500
BT-194 – Coil pipe trailer
BT-079 – Kubota SSV65-ISO 17 Skid Steer
BT-061 – Hino FM with 4500L Vermeer vacuum unit
BT-200 – Isuzu FVZ 14,000L water cart (hired)

GROUND CONDITIONS

Rock (Dolerite)

CHALLENGES

– Minimal internal plans indicating Location of existing services.
– High to Very High Strength Rock.
– Due to a nearby excavation requiring Drill & Blast where the Underbores were located caused
difficulty with hole stability & large Boulders kept falling into the bore hole.
– Limited set up space due to multiple work fronts happening in a small area required a big focus on clear communication and focus on safety.

TEAM SUCCESS

Despite significant challenges on the KCGM project, the team demonstrated outstanding resilience and expertise.

Drilling through tough dolerite and encountering hard ground conditions, they maintained control even when steering difficulties arose. The team also managed live Traffic extremely well, implementing a seamless stop-go system as Drilling crossed the road.

Even when faced with hole collapses and large boulders that required persistence with the reamer, they adapted quickly and safely. Their dedication ensured the successful completion of the job with minimal disruption. An excellent display of teamwork under tough conditions.