CSM Cathode Stripping Machine

Project Brief

RMK Civil partnered with KAEFER Integrated Services to provide civil construction solutions for the installation of a new automated robotic Cathode Stripping Machine (CSM) at BHP Billiton’s Olympic Dam Refinery Tankhouse. The new system was designed to replace the dated and maintenance-intensive conveyor-type CSM, significantly improving production rates and reliability. A key challenge was to install the new system without interrupting the operation of the existing machine, ensuring no downtime or impact on production targets.

The project scope involved:

• Detailed excavation and contaminated waste removal.
• Concrete formwork and steel fixing.
• Construction of new pedestals and foundations for the plant.
• Epoxy and cementitious grouting of all mechanical motors and base plates.

Solution

RMK Civil delivered the following tailored civil construction solutions to meet the project’s unique requirements:

• Excavation and Waste Removal: Precise excavation was carried out to prepare the site, followed by the safe removal of contaminated materials in compliance with environmental standards.
• Formwork and Steel Fixing: High-quality concrete formwork and reinforced steel were installed to ensure a stable and durable foundation capable of supporting the automated robotic CSM.
• New Pedestals and Foundations: RMK constructed specialised pedestals and foundations to house the new CSM and its associated equipment, meeting all structural and performance requirements.
• Epoxy and Cementitious Grouting: Mechanical motors and base plates were secured with precision grouting, ensuring stability and alignment critical to the automated system's operation.

Outcome

The project was completed over a 12-month period without interrupting the operation of the existing CSM, allowing BHP to maintain production throughout the transition. The new automated CSM has since streamlined the cathode stripping process, improving efficiency, reliability, and safety. RMK Civil’s work ensured a robust and durable foundation for the system, contributing to its long-term performance and reliability.

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“Our key priority for the remediations work was first to ensure the safety of the site and everyone working on it, and secondly to deliver the project on time and on budget”