NEWS

Whitehaven Coal

Mining Case Study

Durack Civil has a deep understanding of mining civil and infrastructure, built on years of expertise delivering complex projects in challenging environments. Our team is well-versed in the unique requirements of the mining sector, including bulk earthworks, haul road construction, drainage solutions, and mine site infrastructure. A testament to this capability is our successful work at the Blackwater Mine, where we delivered critical infrastructure upgrades to support operational efficiency and site resilience. Leveraging our specialised fleet and experienced personnel, we ensure the highest standards of safety, quality, and environmental stewardship in all mining-related projects.

An example of our experience can be seen in our contract with Whitehaven Coal to complete the Northern Back Access Road at Blackwater Mine. Identified as a critical Project for the Mine to ensure the progression of the Northern Pit can be maintained for continued coal production.

The project highlights include meeting critical deadlines aligned with mine planning and the progression of the coal pit, ensuring seamless coordination of HV electrical switching with mine operations, and guaranteeing the supporting infrastructure was in place before the HV shutdowns required for the works. The project also involved the importation of 25,000 tonnes of highly modified Type 2.3 pavement material, which presented complexities in production within the Bowen Basin Region. Additionally, it required managing interactions with mine operations, HV haul routes, and other contractors.

The Project Scope

The Project Scope

Clearing of existing vegetation across the site with strict adherence to environmental and cultural heritage controls 

50,000m3 of recycled Cat 3 embankment fill material produced from the mining operations in the neighbouring pit 

3 x 25m multi-cell culvert crossings

Relocation and burying of multiple HDPE high pressure water lines crossing through the alignment

Removal of redundant 6.6kVa powerlines and poles

Construction of 66kVa underground road crossing

Construction and installation of new 66kVa power poles and lines, including earthing system and ABS from the current northern HV backbone

Import, condition, place and compact 25,000t modified Type 2.3 pavement material

Review from Whitehaven Coal

Review from Whitehaven Coal

“Working with Durack Civil on the Blackwater Mine project has been a collaborative and smooth experience. Their team is professional, easy to work with, and delivers high quality results. Durack has easily adapted to achieve the required compliance to the safety & health management standards at Blackwater. This is normally a difficult standard to achieve to first time Contractors on the mine and is as such a testament to Durack's focus on the importance of safety. With respect to Quality, Durack's project team has produced the required evidence, showing that the quality stipulated on the drawings and specifications has been met with no concerns of non-compliance. We have been very happy with their work on Blackwater mine to date and would happily recommend them.”

Neil den Exter.
Lead Civil & Environmental Portfolio. 

Our Locations

Based in south-east Queensland, we have successfully completed projects across most of regional Queensland and northern NSW, including remote areas.