Grant’s Open Cut Lithium Mine
Project Name: Grants Open Cut Lithium Mine
Client: Core Lithium
Location: Outer Darwin
Date: Completed November 2024
Description
The project consists of an open cut lithium mine (200 m deep pit) and ancillary infrastructure for processing of mined ore on ML31726. The mine site is located 90 km by road from Darwin CBD, or 25 km south as the crow flies. The site is accessed off the Cox Peninsula Road, approximately 36 km west of Berry Springs and 15 km south-east of Belyuen community. The project includes two water supply dams, Mine Site Dam (immediately to the west of the mine site) and Observation Hill Dam (5 km south-south-east), and associated water pipeline infrastructure.
Development of the mining operation required clearing and/or disturbance of approximately 254 ha of native vegetation. The life of mine is three to four years. The ore is mined using drill and blast methods and processed using crushing, primary screening and dense media separation (DMS) to produce lithium oxide concentrate for export.
The processed lithium concentrate is transported via Cox Peninsula Road and Stuart Highway to Darwin Port, for shipping to China. The transportation plan includes the utilisation of quadruple road trains for up to 10 return trips per 24 hours.
Issues/Challenges and how they were resolved
The project encountered several challenges that required prompt and efficient solutions:
- Insufficient quantity of building material: The initial supply of materials was not sufficient to meet the project’s demands, requiring additional sourcing and procurement efforts.
- Managing locations of stockpiles, material sources, and haul roads: Proper management and organisation of material stockpiles, sourcing, and haul roads were essential to minimize delays and maintain efficient workflows.
- Locating construction water source and organizing supply infrastructure: A reliable water source for construction activities had to be identified, and the supply infrastructure was set up to ensure continuous access.
- Delays due to weather constraints: Weather conditions affected scheduling, causing temporary delays in work progress.
- Additional repair works required: Extra work was needed to amend a leak in the mine water dam, which impacted the project timeline.
To overcome these challenges, we provided expert project management and a flexible approach to scheduling. Our team adapted quickly, adjusting to weather conditions, sourcing additional materials, and working closely with all stakeholders to ensure the project stayed on track. Proactive coordination with suppliers, contractors, and the client allowed us to resolve issues swiftly, keeping the project on schedule despite these challenges.
Success of Project
The project was a resounding success, with all objectives met and delivered within budget:
- Assisted civil project team: We played a key role in constructing mine servicing infrastructure, providing site supervision, management, and quality assurance (QA) support throughout the project.
- Close monitoring and problem-solving: We were instrumental in solving on-site issues during the peak construction season, ensuring minimal disruptions and maintaining smooth progress.
- Outcome and objectives: All civil works our team was involved with were completed to the client’s satisfaction, including the design, procurement, and management of car park, kerbing, bus stop design, and guardrail installation.
- Successful infrastructure designs: We also designed and managed the construction of a boat ramp and pad for a new pump, ensuring a continuous construction water supply. Regular engagement with stakeholders, adherence to QA standards, and strict budget monitoring were key contributors to the project’s success, which was completed on time and to the client’s expectations.