Modern Mining August 2020

COVER STORY

More capabilities Apart from the underground mining services busi- ness, Fluor can execute projects of all sizes, mainly Engineering, Procurement and Construction (EPC) / Construction Management (EPCM) services for high- tonnage mining facilities. “We also execute small and early work studies that help us better position for later project phases of execution,” says Anderson. Services include conceptual design of mineral processing facilities; development of bankable feasi- bility studies; design, procurement, construction and start-up of mineral and metals processing facilities; project management and modularisation. The company’s key differentiators include exe- cution of work in challenging locations; mobilising diverse workforces; developing and utilising innova- tive tools and systems to deliver project certainty; linking global engineering resources; sourcing material globally; meeting compressed schedules; developing innovative and cost-effective project financing; optimising assets over a facility’s lifecycle and managing joint ventures and alliances. Flagship projects Fluor has completed several flagship projects over the years. One of the first projects the company com- pleted in South Africa was Avgold Limited’s Target Gold mine processing plant. It was the largest grass- roots gold mine to be built in South Africa at the time. Other major projects include Sasol’s Twistdraai coal washing plant, Rio Tinto’s Ilmenite mine in

projects are a highly dynamic environment with many complex interfaces and constraints that require a high level of expertise. Fluor’s expertise in complex and challenging underground mining project design, execution and operation positions it well to deliver these projects within time and budget. Underground mines often come with higher capital costs than surface mines and present unique challenges during project delivery. The projects require a high level of interaction and plan- ning between mining and construction teams. “We believe in working with the client to determine the optimal mine design and solution based on multiple constraints in a fully integrated manner,” he says. In addition, Fluor has the capability to provide studies, engineering, procurement, construction and project management services for associated above- ground process plants and related infrastructure that incorporates seamlessly with underground opera- tions, thus providing an integrated solution. Another key competitive edge in this area is the company’s experience to effectively manage, sched- ule and control the interfaces between all areas of an underground project through its proven project controls system. To this end, Fluor has just been awarded an underground mining study project in South Africa. Elsewhere, global underground experience includes involvement in copper, gold and polymetallic proj- ects in Mongolia, Indonesia, Australia and North America.

Morupule Coal Mine expansion project in Botswana.

16  MODERN MINING  August 2020