CPC ENGINEERING

AFRICA CPC ENGINEERING

Supporting mining clients from start to finishÂ

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HITTING THE

Sweet Spot CPC Engineering, thanks to its agile setup and full suite of engineering and drafting expertise, is able to support clients across continents throughout the entire life of a mining project

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Writer: Tom Wadlow | Project Manager: Donovan Smith

ustralia has long supported the African mining industry.

According to the AustraliaAfrica Minerals and Energy Group, there are more than 185 ASX-listed mining and other resource companies operating over 430 projects in 37 African countries.

This amounts to an estimated footprint of more than $40 billion based on current and potential future investment.

“At the moment there is no shortage of opportunities to work,”

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says Rod Davies, General Manager of CPC Project Design at Perth-based CPC Engineering, a company supporting a range of mining projects across multiple regions including Australia and Africa.

“Companies are always trying to progress projects and expand plants, although a slowing impact both in Africa and Australia has been the sourcing of financing for such plans. The world is becoming more risk averse, but by February after the Christmas shutdown we tend to see investment picking up

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and we are starting to see those green shoots again.”

The opportunity for Davies to join CPC, by his own admission, came out of the blue, but it was too good to turn down – the GM headhunted on recommendation from colleagues of his retiring predecessor.

It is an industry he has always held a passion for, stemming from a young age.

“I like big machines and how they do things, to put it simply,” says Davies. “I loved the idea of working

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in big processing plants and felt as if it would be like having a giant train set to play with. I actually started out in a metallurgy processing plant, rather than in engineering.”

Sweet spot

CPC’s size and scope of expertise was a key draw for Davies, this being a key differentiator for the firm which has been in operation since setting up in Kambalda, Western Australia, in 1970.

Today the company employs over 350 qualified and skilled personnel

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split between design and engineering units, a combined team which is able to provide a full suite of services from studies and fabrication through to construction and maintenance.

These services are conducted from offices and workshops located in Perth, Kalgoorlie, Kambalda, Port Hedland, Ravensthrope and Esperance, perfectly positioned to serve Australian mining clients, many of which are based nearby.

“We’re one of few engineering houses that cover the entire

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discipline,” says Davies. “We have metallurgists and process engineers and can start right away with the design of a plant, taking it all the way through to mechanical and electrical phases, the full scope.

“We are also the perfect size for our clients and can react quickly to their requirements and are backed up by reliable systems. I like to call it a sweet spot that we are in – we are not a giant multinational and can move quickly.

Our clients can also pick up the phone to our CEO.” It is also from these Western Australian facilities that CPC supports its clients’ projects based in Africa, the company also ensuring staff are on the ground to oversee the work and provide crucial engineering and design support.

A diverse portfolio

Closer to home, the firm has a number of ongoing projects with clients covering numerous areas of mining and engineering.

Davies cites work with AngloGold Ashanti in WA, where CPC is supporting the study and design stage at the Boston Shaker underground mine supporting infrastructure at the Tropicana site, located nearly 330 kilometres east-northeast of the town of Kalgoorlie. Ground work on this is expected to begin by Q2 of 2019 after final investment decisions are taken.

“We are also on a project with Talison Lithium at its Greenbushes operations south of Perth,” continues Davies. “We have just finished the studies for a second new crushing

CPC IN AFRICA Many of CPC’s clients rely on the firm’s expertise to deliver projects in Africa, including Melbourne-based Syrah Resources which developed the Balama Graphite mine in the Cabo Delgado province of northern Mozambique.

As well as delivering the Front End Engineering Design (FEED) study for the project, CPC was also awarded the engineering and procurement contract for the mine’s design phase, a process which was completed inside 12 months and managed from the company’s Perth office.

BGRIMM

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GRIMM is a leading Chinese company operating in the minerals industry, specialising in the production of mineral processing equipment using the latest technologies.

The firm, founded in 1956, carries 60 years of experience in its ranks, a formidable track record that has seen it cater to needs across a mine’s life, from production through to closure.

As well as supply leading equipment, BGRIMM also consults with clients and provides engineering services and is a leading light when it comes to research and development. For example, it is the major research undertaker in National ERC for Comprehensive Utilization of Metallic Resources as well as National ERC for Clean Extraction and Energy Saving in Nonferrous Metallurgy.

Its research capabilities have seen it awarded dozens of patents and qualify similarly large numbers of individuals in disciplines such as metallurgical engineering and mechanical engineering.

BGRIMM operates under the following vision and values…

Corporate vision: To be a world leader in technology and equipment for development and utilisation of mineral resources.

Following the completion of the engineering phase, a team from CPC joined the Syrah construction and commissioning teams on site to ensure smooth project delivery.

Core values: Turning rock into gold by delivering efficient solutions; creating value to achieve reciprocal benefits with clients.

Ongoing work on the African continent includes study phase support for Blackrock and its graphite asset in Tanzania, the client requesting maximised local input in terms of employment and procurement, the latter very much managed on a best for project basis. Having completed the DFS, CPC will continue providing engineering and project management services into project delivery

Xxxxxxxxthe xxxxxxxx xxxxxxxxxxx xxxxxxxxx “Taking advantage of technical resources of BGRIMM and BGRIMMMAT, we deliver technology, equipment and packaged solutions featuring high efficiency and low energy consumption for the comprehensive utilisation of mineral resources. We strive to acquire remarkable social and economic benefits whilst leaving a lighter trace on the earth.”

CPC is also assisting AVZ Minerals in the DRC with feasibility studies on what is thought to be a significant lithium deposit.

The drill core samples have already arrived in Perth with testing set to commence before the flow sheet verified and optimised.

T +86 10 6329 9261 F +86 10 6329 9632 E bkjd@bgrimm.com

www.bgrimm-mat.com Xxxxxxxx xxxxxxxx xxxxxxxxxxx xxxxxxxxx

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680m3 Flotation Cell Larger size for larger benefit Leading performance for value recovery Sustainable technology for chemical & energy saving

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Serve the Mining Industries with Innovative Technologies Who we are

What we own

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• Premier Chinese institute in the mineral Industry

• 60 years’ history and experience

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• Leading technology

• Expertise from mining to mine closure

• Provide consultation of R&D and engineering service

• Manufacturer of mineral processing equipment

• Clients over 50 countries

• Supply advanced mineral processing equipment

BGRIMM Machinery & Automation Technology www.bgrimm-mat.com

T +86 10 6329 9261 | F +86 10 6329 9632 | E bkjd@bgrimm.com

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ANDRITZ

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NDRITZ Separation is the world’s leading separation specialist with the broadest technology portfolio and more than 2,000 specialists in 40 countries.

For more than 150 years, we have been a driving force in the evolution of separation solutions and services for industries ranging from environment to food, chemicals, and mining and minerals. As the OEM for many of the world’s leading brands, we have the solutions and services to transform your business to meet tomorrow’s changing demands – wherever you are and whatever your separation challenge.

T +65 6512 1800 E separation.sg@andritz.com

www.andritz.com/separation

BMI GROUP

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e deliver innovative waterproofing and protection systems for the mining industry, designed to transform the way people live and work. Providing protection, added value and peace of mind for engineers, installation companies, general contractors and owners alike.

Artist impression/technical drawing and real life image of a CPC project

plant and are now entering the detailed design phase for Talion’s main contractor MSP. “This is a key part of the site’s expansion, and the first new plant CPC designed for the project is now approaching 80 percent through construction.”

In New Zealand’s Foulden Hills, CPC is engaged in a somewhat less conventional project involving diatomaceous earth that was

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discovered by gold prospectors in the early 1870s.

“Plaman Global’s operation, which we did the study work for, will entail digging up black diatomaceous earth, refining it and turning it into animal feed. The diatomaceous earth is a natural product formed from microscopic fossils and rich in natural organic matter, which helps with animals’ growth, digestion and reduces the need for antibiotics as well.

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BMI Group is a standard industries company, like GAF, the leading manufacturer of roofing and waterproofing solutions in North America. Together, we are the largest roofing and waterproofing business in the world.

E bmi.engineering@bmigroup.com

www.bmigroup.com

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SEPARATION

FILTER PRESS SUPPLIER FOR THE WORLD’S LARGEST GRAPHITE RESOURCE ASK YOUR SEPARATION SPECIALIST As a separation specialist with a successful history in the mining and minerals industry for more than five decades, ANDRITZ SEPARATION is ideally equipped not only to supply and start equipment and systems but also to support customers in maximizing process

efficiency over the complete plant lifecycle.

Thousands of references are available showing best practices over long-term partnerships with customers in different segments of both the mining and minerals treatment industries all around the world. This makes

ANDRITZ SEPARATION the right choice to solve any customer problem today and in the future. All challenges are addressed by project development and execution in close collaboration with the customer. Thus ANDRITZ SEPARATION stands for long-term reliability.

andritz.com/separation

TERANAP TP – The Bituminous geomembrane - Mining environmental protection solutions for 45 years - Excellent ageing performances - Technical assistance on site • Better interface friction angle (savings about embankments and earthwork) • Better dimensional stability (no wrinkles on Teranap so no stress cracking, workforce time saving) • Excellent puncturing resistance • Possibility to get rid of geotextiles • Wind uplift resistance • Easy connection to concrete (and details) • Installation under extreme conditions • Certification for potable water • Excellent chemical resistance

bmi.engineering@bmigroup.com

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SKILLED MATERIALS HANDLING

CPC continually updates health and safety policy to ensure safe operations

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killed Materials Handling specialises in bulk materials handling equipment.

We are committed to working with our customers to design, manufacture and supply robust reliable, fit for purpose bulk materials handling equipment.

An innovative approach to engineering design and manufacturing, supported by 30-plus years of experience, partnerships within Australia and overseas ensures that we deliver optimal equipment and ongoing support and spare parts globally for all materials handling requirements.

To date we have supplied 1,000-plus conveyors to 60 clients worldwide in the energy, mining, cement, agriculture, food and waste handling sectors.

T: +61 3 9544 4188 E: smh@skilledmaterial.com.au

www.skilledmaterial.com.au “I didn’t know you could feed diatomaceous earth to animals, and if you look carefully enough you can find this sort of product for people to eat as well.”

CPC’s work is not just limited to Africa, Australia and New Zealand, however.

Davies also points to a project with repeat customer First Quantum Minerals in Panama, a huge copper deposit spread over a concession that consists of four zones totalling 13,600 hectares. CPC assisted First Quantum with the design stage in Perth, the project now advancing into the commissioning phase.

refreshing our safety practices is absolutely essential,” says Davies.

“When we start a new project and recruit blue collar workers or unskilled labour, we must make sure we not only choose the right people, but that our induction processes are spot on.

“Standards are routinely checked and kept fresh. We require everyone working on a job to go to a different area on a weekly basis and carry out an inspection on how other people are working. Talking about safety is so important. These peer reviews are a crucial part of our management philosophy for safety.”

Regarding CPC’s own employee base, Davies doesn’t deny that it is a Uncompromising standards challenge to find adequately skilled Successful delivery of these projects engineers to join the organisation. all around the world would not be While the company’s cohort of possible without an uncompromising engineers is made up of multiple stance on standards, both in terms of nationalities, they are all Australian quality and HSE (health, safety and residence, and many have come environment). through the ranks to become key “Maintaining vigilance and continually assets having acquired valuable

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TRUE AUTOMATION

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rue Automation, based in Perth, Western Australia, provides system integration services to many prestigious clients from around the world. Continuing this spirit, True Automation is proud to have successfully delivered the control system for CPC’s Balama Graphite Project in Mozambique for the miner Syrah Resources.

The highly productive collaboration between True Automation and CPC started with the design phase and continued through to site commissioning and performance optimisation of the plant. In addition, True Automation continue to provide resources to ensure the ongoing successful operation of the plant.

T +61 1300 880 641, +61 8 6118 0900 E admin@trueautomation.com.au

www.trueautomation.com.au

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CHAIN CONVEYORS

SIDE WALL BELT CONVEYOR

SPARE PARTS

true automation Innovative Process Control Solutions True Automation specialise in providing advanced process control solutions and industrial automation systems to the mining and minerals processing sectors.

We offer an extensive range of engineering services to ensure we deliver outstanding solutions to satisfy our clients’ business requirements. With a strong customer focus, we are dedicated to working closely with our clients to deliver high quality and cost effective control systems.

Our goal is to deliver control systems that are effective, intuitive, scalable, reliable and maintainable.

Suite 166, 580 Hay Street Perth Western Australia 6000 T +61 1300 880 641, +61 8 6118 0900 E admin@trueautomation.com.au www.trueautomation.com.au

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experience and training.

“We are a competitive payer and can offer tremendous experience,” Davies adds. “Four or five years ago we took on a lot of young engineers who are now in their early 30s and very good – we now need to promote them, offer more opportunities and retain them.

“It is about keeping the right balance between younger and more experienced engineers to ensure a continual passing on of knowledge.”

In terms of environmental stewardship, CPC has a detailed Environmental Management Plan

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It is not unusual for supervisors to be walking around with iPads now, not paper and hard copy design drawings”

structured to meet the requirements of the AS/NZS ISO 14001 (2004) Environmental Management Systems standard.

Looking ahead

Executing projects to these exacting standards will also require CPC to stay abreast of key technological trends influencing the mining sphere.

“This sector is inherently conservative, and the development cycle of a project can be a number of years,” says Davies. “This means when something new comes along you have

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CPC employs over 350 qualified and skilled personnel

CPC is based in Western Australia, serving clients with operations here and in Africa

“We have metallurgists and process engineers and can start right away with the design of a plant, taking it all the way through to mechanical and electrical phases, the full scope”

to be aware of it, otherwise it can be three or four years before you can actually implement it.

“We come across the saying that we need to be at the leading edge of technology, not the bleeding edge.

By that I mean it’s a race to be first to second place, i.e. let someone try it first and make sure it works.

“There have been some fantastic developments that have made their way into the mining industry – we are extracting more at faster speeds than ever before.

“Further, connectivity in mines

is massive and engineers like us are using bigger and bigger programmes.

It is not unusual for supervisors to be walking around with iPads now, not paper and hard copy design drawings.”

Keeping a keen eye on developments like this will ensure CPC remains a relevant, reliable supporting partner to mining operations at home and abroad. And it is this continuation of the sweet spot position the company currently occupies that is a key priority for Davies moving forwards.

He concludes: “I want to consolidate

the growth we have experienced over the past couple of years. That requires replacing projects we have finished with some new ones and keeping our team as strong as it is now. I am optimistic for the year ahead.”

CPC Engineering Tel: +61 (8) 9365 0300 cpcprojects@cpceng.com.au www.cpcengineering.com.au

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6 Kings Park Rd, West Perth, Western Australia, 6005 Tel: +61 (8) 9365 0300 cpcprojects@cpceng.com.au www.cpcengineering.com.au

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