Contract awarded to deliver the tunnel installation package at Hope Downs 2 Project
Rio Tinto has successfully appointed a contractor to undertake the tunnel installation package for the Hope Downs 2 Project in the Pilbara.
BMD will build six pre-cast tunnels, including two over live rail and four installed in a greenfield environment, to enable the safe passage of rail and light vehicles through the tunnels and heavy vehicles to travel over the top.
The scope of works will also include a wide range of civil engineering works such as micro piling ground improvement, heavy duty concrete footings and walls, precast arch lift and installation, bulk earthwork embankments, and electrical and wireless communication monitoring systems to provide connectivity.
“This is a project that will further demonstrate BMD’s expertise in safely operating in complex live rail environments, and reinforce our capabilities in the resources sector.
“It’s a fantastic opportunity for our Western Australian team to work on this technically diverse and exciting project with Rio Tinto that will power futures and create legacies in the Pilbara and beyond,” BMD Constructions General Manager – WA Leon Fogliani said.
BMD will be taking a local-first approach to employment and procurement for this project, supporting local communities in the region.
The complete scope of works for this project include:
- Vegetation clear and topsoil strip
- Over 300,000 cubic metres of embankment tunnel backfill and structural fill
- Transportation and installation of 412 pre-cast concrete arch units
- Supply, handle, place and install all minor drainage and culverts and rock protection
- VMR radio communication fit-out for all tunnels
- Detailed excavation earthworks
- Supply, delivery, handling and placement of all in-situ concrete
- Supply and installation of rail communications cabling (leaky feed)
- Electrical fit-out for all tunnel lighting
- Two-stage fit-out for rails communications for tunnels 1 and 5
The Hope Downs 2 Project is located about 120 kilometres northwest of Newman in the Pilbara region of Western Australia.
Source: BMD Group (1, 2); Australian Mining
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