International manufacturing giant DHHI is planning to expand its engineering, procurement, and construction project delivery capacity in Australia.
In Australia, DHHI is most known for delivering massive bulk handling equipment.
However, the international giant’s expertise extends far beyond conveyors, stackers, reclaimers, spreaders, car dumpers, and shiploaders. Over the years, DHHI has grown into a full-service engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) provider, offering complete fixed-plant solutions that cover every stage of ore processing.
DHHI Australia sales manager Will Haua told ABHR the Chinese business has global ambitions in this space, and Australia is one of the key target markets.
“Our traditional clients might not understand the full depth of DHHI’s capabilities, thinking that we are only a manufacturer of balanced machines,” he said.
“We are looking to expand with more EPC mining projects, specifically in Australia, South America, the middle east and certain African countries.
“We can deliver everything from the run of mine (ROM) pad, through to crushing, screening, processing, stockyard equipment, and train or truck loading and unloading.”
Headquartered in Dalian, China, with offices around the world DHHI ensures clients benefit from both world-class manufacturing and reliable local support.
The company does this by setting up local branches that recruit home-grown talent.
This means DHHI can provide region-specific expertise, faster spare parts availability, and on-site technical assistance while benefitting from its extensive manufacturing capacity.
DHHI has five manufacturing and research facilities across the province of Dalian, China totalling more than 2.5 million square metres of real estate including direct access to multiple deep water port loading facilities.
Its workshop manufacturing capabilities range from bulk handling machines, process plants, conveyor systems, port machines, metallurgical and power generation equipment, logistics centres, foundries, spare parts workshops as well as its own electrical manufacturing and control equipment plant.
DHHI manufactures around 650,000 tonnes of steel structures and more than 120 major machines each year from its large-scale processing facilities with strict quality control.
“We can draw on the expertise of more than 1600 engineers and technicians across 12 professional design institutes to ensure each project has sufficient resource capacity to meet both our high standards of quality as well as our client’s detailed specifications and expectations,” Haua said.
“Case by case we will also utilise the expertise of our long-standing engineering and design partners in China such as NETC (under MCC Group).
“DHHI Australia has also formed multiple partnerships with local Australian subject matter experts and consultants to leverage off industry specific knowledge, particularly in the process plant space to further ensure we meet those expectations.”
Haua said a key differentiator is DHHI’s ability to tailor specific project execution strategies for every customer.
“DHHI aligns each project to our client’s preferred suppliers as well as providing low-cost sourcing options to the flow sheet from a substantial global supply chain and China domestic manufacturing partnerships.”
DHHI can also design, fabricate, assemble and commission large modules in controlled facilities before delivering it to site.
“Structural steel, mechanical equipment, piping, electrical systems, and switchrooms are all manufactured, assembled and quality-tested prior to delivery, reducing constructability risks on site and enabling faster, more predictable installation,” Haua said.
“Modules are designed to the maximum size possible subject only to the transport window to each specific site.
Modularisation and standardisation help to de-risk projects by providing more predictability in design processes, project schedule and pricing.
Fabrication and assembly are typically a significant portion of scope for any project thus the ability to conduct this work in DHHI’s facilities provides assurance to its clients.
Once the modules arrive on site, DHHI and its partners oversee complete site construction, including civil works, structural, mechanical, and piping erection, and electrical and instrumentation installation.
Commissioning is generally executed collaboratively with DHHI and the client. This includes pre-commissioning, no-load commissioning, and load commissioning, with technical assistance provided throughout to ensure the plant operates safely and efficiently. DHHI also provides final reporting, ensuring full accountability and documentation for the project.
Haua said DHHI’s experience demonstrates both technical capability and global reach. “We have delivered WHIMS plants for Hancock Iron Ore (previously Roy Hill), executed a major EPC project in Peru, conducted feasibility studies for multiple Tier One mines in Australia, and recently secured a major EPC project in Africa, covering the full ROM-to-loadout process includes site constructions and civils,” he said.
“By combining detailed engineering, modular fabrication, off-site trial assembly, and full-service site construction, commissioning and complete aftermarket services, DHHI provides clients with a single, accountable partner for the entire project lifecycle.
“With global manufacturing strength, proven technical expertise, and an expanding local presence in Australia, DHHI is uniquely positioned to deliver modern, efficient, and reliable fixed-plant solutions for mining operations worldwide.”