ABHR learns how DHHI plans to deliver almost 30 machines to the Republic of Guinea for the massive Simandou iron ore project, and how the company can provide similar support for Australian miners.
The Simandou project comprises three core elements – a mine, railway and port, as well as associated infrastructure. The Simandou mountain range, located in the south-east of the Republic of Guinea, is home to an exceptionally large deposit of high-grade iron ore, with an expected peak production of between 95 million and 100 million tonnes per year and estimated mine life of 26 years. Delivering this important project could position Guinea as the world’s third-largest exporter of iron ore and help meet growing global demand.
However, DHHI Australia chief executive officer Harald Grosshammer said the project will be very challenging to deliver given the lack of existing infrastructure in place and the shear remoteness of the mine which requires approximately 670km of railway to transport the iron ore from the mine to the Guinean coast and a new port south of Conakry.
“DHHI has done several projects like this one before,” Grosshammer said.
“We have the capability to work in difficult regions and can deliver machines manufactured to meet international standards.”
DHHI is a global manufacturer, specialising in major bulk handling machines such as stackers, reclaimers, shiploaders, and car dumpers. Each year, the company produces around 600,000 tonnes of structural and mechanical equipment from its manufacturing facilities in China.
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Thanks to its manufacturing capabilities, the company was selected to deliver 28 machines for the project, including seven car dumpers, 14 stacker/reclaimers, and seven shiploaders.
As part of its scope of works, DHHI is required to design, fabricate, procure, transport, construct, and commission each machine, using its own workforce to assist with the delivery and get the behemoth bulk handlers into position.
“Coordinating delivery of so many machines is already a significant undertaking. The challenges of the remote location and lack of local manpower to operate cranage and installation works was also something we needed to take into account.”
“DHHI has an in-house construction company that we are using to support the installation works. We have a big number of people on site to deliver the project. It’s a challenging task, but we’re confident we can get it done.”
Several of the machines have already been delivered and installed, with more on the way soon through a staggered delivery schedule. The company is no stranger to delivering massive bulk material handling machines to remote locations of the world. It has previously supported other projects in Guinea with stackers, reclaimers, shiploaders, and car dumpers. Grosshammer said DHHI has more than 60 years of history in building balanced machinery.
“We have provided balanced machines all around the world, from Brazil, to Europe, Malaysia, Africa, Australia, and more,” he said.
“This experience is how we developed the capability to adhere to local and international standards.
“DHHI is really good at working with clients to find the best benefits for a project. Clients often return to DHHI and work long-term with us to deliver their projects, because we can ensure that targets are met and can accommodate any changes.”
What sets DHHI apart as a partner of choice for major mining companies is its scale.
DHHI’s immense production capabilities grant it significant purchasing power.
This, combined with its local expertise, allows it to source high-quality components at a scale few can match, ensuring that its machines are both reliable and cost-effective for customers.
This collaborative approach has been a major success for DHHI’s Australian mining projects.
Grosshammer said Australia has its own complexities when it comes to delivering balanced machines, which is why the company has established a permanent office with an engineering and project execution presence in Perth.
“We have built the Australian team to support local project requirements,” he said. “We can combine the quality and scale manufacturing of our Chinese facilities with the technical expertise to optimise the delivery process and design for the Australian market.”
“We review the market, learn what the key requirements are for clients and what the key factors are in making a machine successful.
“Our team can provide full fabrication support, along with a dedicated aftermarket team to support the full lifecycle of a machine.”
DHHI has seen significant growth in Australia, doubling its office space and increasing the size of its project management team to provide greater support for the requirements of Australian projects.
Moving forward, the company is committed to growing its Australian presence to provide clients the complete lifecycle service opportunities, particularly across the Pilbara region in Western Australia.
“As a result of our growth, we have been able to successfully win more work and execute projects that will bring more machines to the Australian market,” Grosshammer said.
“We expect to continue growing and will provide the Australian bulk handling industry with the best support possible.”
