Engineering Design Commissioning
This project required METS to engage in the concept of minimal engineering, i.e. project management of a group of sub-consultants to execute the project did result in substantial savings in time and money. This involved due diligence, metallurgical and engineering design, project management and reconstruction.
The contracting strategy used by Troy Resources NL was unusual in that they managed the sub-contractors and consultants themselves including the engineering, procurement, construction and commissioning.
The plant had some novel aspects including very high gold loadings, a DETOX circuit, and tailings filtration because a conventional tailings dam was not practical. The DETOX circuit was very well received, being a first for Brazil. Lessons were learnt and the project has been both profitable and successful for Troy Resources NL. In addition, the project has created jobs, delivered royalties and brought new skills into an area which previously had little mining activity.
The project impact has been very positive for Troy Resources NL and the local community. Exploration in the region has discovered new resources and the operations future may continue beyond the present resources.
Project Brief
Outcome
- Reduced CAPEX/OPEX
- Faster project timeframe
- First detox plant in Brazil
- Detailed design
- Due diligence reporting
Background
Troy Resources NL, is a small to mid-size gold producer with a history of developing and operating mines in Australia and South America.
Project Objectives
The Mina Sertão Gold Project is located in Gioas State, Brazil. METS was employed to conduct a due diligence on the project, complete the metallurgical and engineering design, locate and modify a suitable second hand plant, ship this plant to Brazil for reconstruction and commissioning.
Challenges
Entry into a country where the language and culture was significantly different, as well as obtaining the necessary government approvals, including environmental and import permits, were all challenges for the management team. The tropical environment and logistics also had to be contended with.
Our Approach
The contracting strategy used by Troy Resources NL was unconventional in that Troy Resources NL managed the sub-contractors and consultants themselves including the engineering, procurement, construction and commissioning.
The plant had some novel aspects including very high gold loadings, a cyanide detox circuit, and tailings filtration as a conventional tailings dam was not practical. The detox circuit was very well received, being a first for Brazil. Lessons were learnt and the project was both profitable and successful for Troy Resources NL. In addition, the project created jobs, delivered royalties and brought new skills into an area which previously had little mining activity.
The project impact has been very positive for Troy Resources NL and the local community. Mina Sertão was successfully commissioned in March 2003.