Supplementary Water Supply

SIMEC Mining (formerly Arrium) were in the process of upgrading the existing water infrastructure between Iron Knob and Iron Baron, which was required for the installation of a new wash plant (the Integrated Processing Facility) to process low grade ore into a saleable product. GPA were engaged to undertake concept and detailed design for the infrastructure upgrades required.

GPA conducted the basic and detailed engineering design phases involving an upgrade to pumps, piping, valves and instrumentation at each pump station. Detailed hydraulic modelling of almost 30km of water pipeline between pump stations was also completed. Detailed engineering design drawings were produced sufficient for construction contractors to purchase and install the equipment required for the upgrade.

Changes in the design basis during concept design phase development required in-depth analysis of the existing water infrastructure network in this region using detailed hydraulic modelling software. GPA identified the most efficient selection of piping and equipment arrangement to transfer water using existing infrastructure.