The Racetrack Refractory project at the Paddington mine site in Australia was designed by CDMS/METS to accommodate refractory ore from the Racetrack mine. The design included modifications such as the expansion of rougher and cleaning cells and the introduction of a regrinding circuit with pre-classification. The project aimed to improve processing capabilities and laid the foundation for subsequent disciplinary engineering work. The design included flotation, ultra-fine grinding, carbon in leach circuits, reagent management, and detoxification systems. The team adopted a collaborative approach, ensuring alignment with project objectives and regulatory frameworks, and maintaining continuity with previous design work.
For further details on Specialist Design services provided please contact the CDMS team on (+61 8) 9421 9060 or email us at info@cdmsengineering.com.
Project Brief
Outcome
The completed engineering design enabled NGF to proceed with procurement and construction activities necessary to implement the refractory treatment plant. Modifications, including the expansion of rougher and cleaning cells and the introduction of a regrinding circuit with pre-classification, provided enhanced processing capabilities. The design laid the foundation for subsequent disciplinary engineering work, facilitating a seamless transition to construction
Background
The Racetrack Refractory project at the Paddington mine site, situated 35 km north of Kalgoorlie, was undertaken for Norton Gold Fields Limited (NGF). NGF, a major Australian gold producer, sought to modify the existing processing plant to accommodate refractory ore from the Racetrack mine, supplementing its operations. Historically, the plant processed free-milling ores but required adaptation to treat refractory ore effectively. CDMS/METS collaborated to deliver detailed process engineering design, building upon previous work tailored for refractory ore from the Gimlet South mine.
Project Objectives
The primary objective was to provide NGF with a comprehensive process engineering design aligned with their requirement to process refractory ore from the Racetrack mine. This involved modifications and extensions to the existing design completed in 2020, accommodating changes proposed by NGF. The design aimed to incorporate flotation, ultra-fine grinding, carbon in leach (CIL) circuits, reagent management, and detoxification systems to effectively treat refractory ore.
Challenges
Key challenges included integrating NGF’s proposed modifications into the existing design while ensuring compatibility with operational requirements and regulatory standards. Coordination with multiple stakeholders and the need for meticulous planning to accommodate changes within project timelines posed significant challenges. Additionally, maintaining continuity with previous design work and addressing technical complexities associated with refractory ore processing required careful consideration.
Our Approach
We adopted a collaborative approach with NGF, leveraging their insights and requirements to refine the engineering design effectively. Our team conducted thorough assessments and incorporated NGF’s proposed changes, ensuring alignment with project objectives and regulatory frameworks. Close communication and regular updates facilitated seamless integration of modifications, while adherence to industry standards and best practices ensured the design’s robustness and reliability.
