Under the contract, BMT WBM will build and supply new conveyor, which can transport up to 8,500 ton/hr of material on 2m wide belts, running at 5.3 m/s.
The system will be used to transport overburden from Loy Yang mine to a new internal dump in the mine’s worked out section.
The contract scope includes overall design and the detailed design for civil, structural and mechanical elements
BMT will also be responsible for liaising with AGL Energy’s in-house team delivering the electrical design.
The 1.34km long downhill conveyor will use three 1000kW variable-frequency drives to generate power and introduce it back into the grid.
BMT WBM machinery group state business unit manager Peter Essig said: "BMT has a long, successful history working with AGL Energy, including being involved with this project since 2006 when we produced the initial conceptual design."
BMT has designed the conveyer as a modular system to allow for unstable ground conditions and will deliver a power saving of around five megawatts (MW) over the existing system.
AGL Energy spokesperson said: "AGL Energy is pleased that BMT is supporting the delivery of environmental improvements to its Loy Yang Mine.
"BMT’s innovative design will ensure that overburden will be moved efficiently and effectively to the new internal dump, backfilling and rehabilitating the mine as part of its day to day activities."
The project is expected to allow AGL Energy to comply with its environmental goals by the way of mine rehabilitation and energy saving measures.
The open cut mine supplies coal for the power stations including AGL Energy-owned Loy Yang A and Loy Yang B, which is 70% owned by GDF SUEZ Australian Energy and 30% by Mitsui.
Image: The Loy Yang mine is located in Victoria, Australia. Photo: © BMT Group Ltd.
