Case Studies
Newcrest Mining: Lihir Island – Papua New Guinea
Lihir Island Case Study – Papua New Guinea
Lihir Island is the largest island in the Lihir group of islands in Papua New Guinea’s New Ireland Province and is home to the Lihir gold mine which is one of the largest gold mines in Papua New Guinea and in the world. The mine has estimated reserves of 45 million oz of gold.
Recently Safearth conducted an earthing system assessment (condition assessment and performance testing) of Newcrest’s power and utilities HV assets and established that the majority of their HV assets were well bonded, earthing systems were in reasonable condition and that the risk associated with their HV assets was negligible. In addition, the assessment identified items to be rectified and provided them with practical recommendations to improve their earthing systems.
The Challenge
The project was particularly challenging to deliver due the isolated nature of the site and the additional logistics required to successfully complete a project in such a remote part of the world. The majority of the equipment was sent via barge to Lihir, leaving Cairns 6 weeks prior to the site mobilisation date; the team needed to be sure no equipment was missing, and there was equipment redundancy to ensure the planned works were not affected by equipment malfunction or failure. Additionally, the tropical location of the site made for extreme site conditions. Daily temperatures of ~35deg C & 90% plus humidity meant works needed to be planned to reduce the impact of the harsh conditions on the test team and ensure the scope was completed within the allocated timeframe.
The Solution
Safearth provided the skills, expertise and equipment to complete the earthing assessment scope in a safe, effective and efficient manner. Specifically, the key to the successful delivery of this project was the prior planning that was completed. The upfront prior planning assisted the test team to understand the site, develop an appropriate test plan and determine the test equipment that would be required (In this case, AX1, MI3’s, CS3 and DET2/3). This understanding then drove the logistics of getting the correct equipment to site on time, the completion of the site tested in a methodical manner, and the test data collated during the mobilisation to ensure the scope was effectively delivered.
The Benefits
The client received a well planned, effective and efficient audit of their HV assets which detailed test results, observed earthing system deficiencies and provided practical recommendations for earthing system improvement. In addition, the testing was minimally disruptive for the client given the substations were able to be tested whilst online and Newcrest employees (electricians) received informal onsite training and exposure to earth testing methods which is important to build internal earthing competence.
The Safearth testing team were onsite for two weeks in PNG and although they were in a remote location that was culturally different, they were well supported by Newcrest electricians who were helpful and interested to learn more about earthing. Employees took the time to drive the Safearth team around the site and organised access to the assets to be tested. Overall, it was a great experience that the project team will never forget.
By Andrew Rowley, Senior Engineer – Safearth Consulting
If you need expertise and advice from the world recognised earthing system experts, we’d love to assist you in your earthing and lightning protection ventures. We’ll be with you every step of the way. Contact Safearth today!
