CPB secures contract to build fences for BHP's WA Pilbara operations

CPB Contractors – a CIMIC Group company – has announced that it has secured a $130 million contract to build wind fences for BHP at two locations in the Pilbara, Western Australia. 

The Wind Fences Project will involve the construction and installation of dust mitigation fences at BHP’s Nelson Point and Finucane Island operations in Port Hedland. 

The fences are part of BHP’s $300 million commitment for its Pilbara Air Quality Program that will deliver several projects to help improve air quality in the region. 

“The investment forms part of our Pilbara Air Quality Program and demonstrates our commitment to the region and contribution to the revitalisation of the West End. 

“The wind fence project is a key part of our commitment towards continued improvement of our existing dust control measures as we look to continue growing production over time. 

“We look forward to working with CPB Contractors on this exciting project, which will help control dust emissions in Port Hedland while also continuing to provide jobs and economic opportunity for the region,” BHP Port General Manager Cindy Dunham said. 

The wind fences will have a height of 30 metres and will span about two kilometres in length. The fences will include mesh panels designed to help reduce wind speeds, catering to the Pilbara’s unique weather conditions and rated specifically to withstand cyclones. 

The purpose of these fences is to shield BHP’s stockpiles and reduce dust lift-off, lessening dust emissions in the company’s current operations and ensuring “no net increases in dust emissions should operations expand over time”. 

“CPB Contractors is very pleased to be supporting BHP to deliver this innovative environmental project that will provide lasting benefits for the community of Port Hedland. 

“Construction of the wind fences will involve fabrication of 3,000 tonnes of structural steel – this work will be undertaken here in WA and will be a major boost to local industry. 

“Throughout the life of the project, we’ll also be looking to maximise opportunities for Indigenous businesses and employment,” CPB Contractors General Manager WA, SA & NT Andrew Giammo said. 

Construction on the fences is due to commence in August 2022 and will take about 14 months to complete. 

During the construction phase, approximately 150 employees are expected to be involved with up to 10 per cent Indigenous employment. 

BHP’s Pilbara Air Quality Program also includes: 

• The trialing of vegetation barriers, in partnership with Curtin University and Greening Australia, to help capture natural and industry dust before it impacts the West End of Port Hedland 
• The continued implementation and optimisation of operational dust control projects across our entire Pilbara supply chain, such as moisture management systems, ore conditioning and monitoring infrastructure, and improvements across our existing controls at our mines and port 
• The project is still subject to all necessary internal and State Government approvals 

Source: BHP; CPB Contractors; Roads & Infrastructure Australia; Australian Mining