Tailings Storage – Technology Infrastructure involved two projects across the Peak Downs and Saraji Mines. Leading a cross-functional team of technology subject matter experts to deliver the full scope of technology deliverables.

Coal processing involves separating valuable coal from unwanted materials like rock, ash and dirt. During washing, large volumes of water and chemicals are used to clear the coal. The leftover mixture of water, fine coal particles, and impurities is called Tailings. Tailings are the by-product of coal processing and are pumped into a Tailings Storage Facility (TSF) for containment and management.

At two mine sites, Tailings Storage Facilities were forecasted to reach capacity within three years, posing a risk to sustained coal production. In response, the business initiated strategic assessments to explore options including increased storage capacity and identifying alternative TSF locations. I contributed to the selection phase by supporting trade-off analyses that informed project direction and investment decisions.

A key component of tailings transport is the use of booster pumps, which are deployed along the pipeline network to maintain pressure and flow over long distances. These pumps are critical to the tailings process and require considerable technology and detailed planning.

Coal production and tailings management depend heavily on control systems and connectivity. A robust, integrated technology design is essential to ensure operational continuity and alignment with existing production systems.

Working directly with Coal, Copper Asset Project team (CCAP), I led a cross-functional team of technology subject matter experts to deliver the full scope of technology planning and design. This included:

• Requirements Gathering: Engaged with site operations, Superintendents, and production stakeholders to define functional and non-functional requirements for technology systems supporting tailings infrastructure.
• Connectivity Design: Evaluated and designed fibre optic and wireless telemetry solutions to support remote monitoring and control across geographically dispersed TSF sites.
• Control Systems Integration: Worked with automation engineers to ensure seamless integration of new infrastructure with existing SCADA and PLC systems, enabling centralized oversight and operational efficiency.
• Data & Compliance: Supported the design of data acquisition systems to ensure accurate reporting for compliance, production metrics, and predictive maintenance. Completed cyber assessments and received approvals.
• Execution Baselines: Collaborated with CCAP to establish technology baselines, ensuring alignment across disciplines for the execution phase.

Mine Sites:

• Peak Downs Mine Medium Term Tailings – Selection/Definition Phase
• Saraji Mine Tailings – Initiation / Selection Phase

Special thanks: Georgia Dalton, Jarrod Friedman, David Croce, Damien Rua, Hany Mousa, Susan Hodge, Andrew Shrosbree, Aruna Galgane, Sean Cunningham, Ben Thorpe (BHP), Juan de Beer (WSP),