TDS Projects Construction delivers extensive infrastructure at Finsch

The project which commenced in November 2014 was awarded to TDS Projects Construction by Petra Diamonds. TDS Projects Construction’s affiliated company, Thuthukani Engineering Solutions designed the C-cut ground handling infrastructure at Cullinan mine and were then tasked with the design of Finsch’s infrastructure required for the sub-level caving expansion project.

The project (phase 1 completed, phase 2 in progress) includes fabrication, construction and installation of nine tipping points, five ore pass retaining walls, four bulkheads, two crusher stations with overhead cranes, and four conveyors. Phase 1 commenced on 20 November 2014 and was completed on 25 March 2016 while Phase 2, commenced on 4 April 2016 with completion estimated for July 2018.  

Hennie Coetzee, MD at TDS Projects Construction says: “TDS is capable of continuously adapting to challenges and changes of a construction environment. Our experience in mining infrastructure allows us to be innovative. This is evident in the ore pass retaining walls, which are precast and a first of their kind for underground operations.”

The bulkhead structures include steelwork well over 100 tons per bulkhead and were installed at the bottom of a 5.1-m-diameter ore pass, ranging from 70 to 190 m in height. One of the bulkheads consists of a staggering 165 tons of steel, 150 m³ of concrete and 15 tons of reinforcing to be constructed within 4 months – while the conveyor system constructed at Finsch covers 1650 metres at an incline of 9° and was completed within 13 months.

“The success of Finsch Phase 1 and to date Phase 2, is due to TDS’s proven management and operating system that controls the progress, quality and safety,” says Coetzee adding that TDS also has the backing and support of sister companies including Thuthukani Engineering Solutions and SFS Engineering (TDS’s structural steel fabricator) which allows for effective control and execution of any project.

“We are offering a turnkey solution that is perfectly showcased by the completion of these installations at Finsch. Not only was Phase 1 of the project successfully completed, with Phase 2 currently being entirely on track – we are also able to pass on numerous benefits to our client.  Ultimately, we are able to supply a workable ore handling system that will extend the life of the mine, maintain and increase production throughput and reduce operational costs,” Coetzee concludes.

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