24 November 2009 - Assmang’s new Khumani Iron Ore Mine near Kathu, South Africa, is a success story characterised by the project team’s determination and commitment.

Aurecon’s Mining and Industrial team provided pivotal support for both Phase 1 BKM Project and Phase 2 of the Khumani Expansion Project. Assmang is jointly owned and managed by Assore Limited and African Rainbow Minerals Limited.

Key partnerships

DRA was the main engineering, procurement and contract management (EPCM) contractor and managing contractor for the project, but it was critical that they source the right calibre of staff who displayed the tenacity, dedication and commitment necessary for bringing a major project like Khumani to successful conclusion.

Aurecon formed part of this team of dedicated and committed individuals, completing the bulk earthworks, stormwater systems design, roads, bulk water supply and civil engineering services for the new mine.

Enabling success

Aurecon has been involved for a number of years in providing services to the mining industry. These services includes feasibility studies, infrastructure design, civil and structural engineering, water resources and water balance, mechanical, electrical and instrumentation engineering, rail, road, marine, port, tunnels, as well as project and construction management. 

The main components of Aurecon's scope of work at Khumani include the detailed design of the bulk earthworks and terracing, as well as layer works at both the Bruce and King mines for the:

• Crusher tips
• Workshop terraces
• Overland conveyors
• Stacker and reclaimer bunds and terraces

“Bulk earthworks terraces create a base for the downstream development of a mine and are a crucial platform for meeting future deadlines,” comments Stephen Herholdt, Aurecon project manager. “Without properly completed groundwork, future components of a project may experience unnecessary delay”.

Other design services encompassed:

• Bulk water supply connection
• Stormwater canals, berms and pump stations
• Accesses to the mines(off-site)
• Civil engineering services, including: sewer and water retriculation
• Stormwater attenuation dams
• On terrace and service roads