One of Mount Isa's tallest structures has a new lease of life after a difficult and dangerous maintenance job.
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The Copper Crude Ore Bin next to the 270m Mount Isa Mines lead smelter stack now boasts a newly sheeted roof, which owners Glencore say should see out the life of the asset.
A routine inspection last year identified that the Crude Ore Bin's roof needed re-sheeting to ensure the ongoing safety of those working under and around it.
The 35m tall and 85m long Bin acts as a storage facility for mined ore ready for processing.
Given the challenges in re-sheeting the roof of a structure of those dimensions and with limited access, Glencore awarded the job to a contracting company which specialises in height safety and rope access.
Dave Anderson, Superintendent for Planning and Assets, Mount Isa Copper Operations Maintenance, said that due to the roof's deteriorated condition, access was challenging.
"It was identified early that the job had to be carried out by replacing one sheet at a time, old for new, so that the contractors were always working on good footing," Mr Anderson said,
"It was important that we completed the job safely and that we structured our work to ensure as little impact as possible on the Copper mine operations and the Copper Concentrator operations below."
Two large scaffolds were erected to allow safe access to the roof and enable the movement of materials.
Monitoring and management methods were established to address wind speeds, recorded up to 66 kilometres per hour on the roof.
Mr Anderson said that during periods of strong winds and extreme heat, work on the roof was suspended until safe progress could continue.
"The project was delayed in the early stages, with strong and inconsistent winds pulling up the task, however once the winds settled, the team were able to make real progress," he said.
"It was a very high risk and challenging task from the outset and I'm pleased to say it was completed safely, with a very high level of team work, good communication and cooperation from all involved departments."
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