Lake Vermont Mine is an open-cut operation in central Queensland, owned by Jellinbah and managed by Theiss Mining. Since 2009, the mine has produced hard coking coal (HCC) and mid volatile PCI coal and transported it by rail to the Port of Gladstone and Abbot Point Coal Terminal.

In 2012, Higgins delivered the Design and Construction of the Mine Infrastructure Area (MIA) project, expanding key infrastructure to increase coal production from four to 12 metric tonnes annually.

Operating under a mining lease, we adeptly took on the role of Coal Mine Operator under the Coal Mining Safety and Health Act. This involved managing our construction processes in compliance with stringent safety and health regulations, developing specialised management systems, and standard operating procedures tailored to the active mining environment.

Throughout the program, we worked closely with Thiess and other stakeholders, fostering a collaborative relationship that ensured uninterrupted coal production. This required meticulous planning and daily coordination. Our engagement with clients, engineers, and end-users was pivotal in refining the project’s design, optimising user experience, streamlining structures, and achieving cost efficiency.

We delivered an ambitious scope, encompassing various elements:

• A new 8-Bay Ultra Class haul truck workshop.
• An 800,000-litre fuel farm, and comprehensive vehicle servicing facilities, including light and heavy vehicle refuelling stations, and a heavy vehicle wash bay.
• An oily water separation plant, including a 24-metre-high workshop, equipped with dual 25-tonne cranes, compressed air systems, a lubricant storage and delivery system and a tyre change bay.

Precision engineering was vital in designing workshops and jacking slabs to accommodate the Ultra Class haul trucks. This involved intricate hydraulic systems, safety and utility installations, and a complete electrical fit-out for optimal lighting and power.

We developed a heavy vehicle wash bay tailored for the Ultra Class haul trucks, featuring an integrated gantry walkway, water cannons, and an environmentally conscious wastewater treatment system.

Our scope extended to the fuel farm, where we installed four 100,000-litre diesel tanks and relocated the 400,000-litre facility. We also built high-efficiency fueling stations operating at 900 litres per minute.

Across the MIA, we installed comprehensive lighting, water, sewer, and compressed air systems, including the construction of an oily water treatment facility aligned with environmental standards.