Project progress

Milestones continue to be reached at the Sino Iron project in the lead up to first production in mid-2012:

• In the mine-pit, individual load tests have been completed for the first crusher and the line 1 conveyor belt has been installed. The power distribution system is ready to be energised. The major components of the second crusher have also been installed.

• Stockpile construction is complete in the concentrator area with ongoing punch list clearance. The third group of mills has been delivered to site and positioned. Mechanical and piping installation of the Line 1 AG mill is nearly complete. The ball mill and first magnetic separation mechanical installation for Line 1 is complete excluding the liner and cranes. Second magnetic separation piping and electrical installation is complete. The main e-house is ready to be energised; water cooling and air compressor systems have been installed and pump station installation is underway.

• At the power station, gas turbines 3 and 4 have been fired, with synchronisation and load testing (under 7MW) also completed. Lube oil flushing and stationary commissioning is progressing on gas turbines 5, 6 and 7. Lube oil flushing has been completed for steam turbines 1 and 2.

• Hydro tests have been carried out on the desalination, return water and concentrate slurry pipelines, which are now ready for integrated commissioning. Main substation electrical testing has been completed and is ready to be energised.

• Major port assets including four barges, two tugs and the first of two transshippers (the first of their kind in WA waters) have arrived.

• In the port area, piping and electrical installation has been completed for building 1 of the dewatering plant and individual equipment testing is underway. Conveyor structure and mechanical installation has been completed at the stockyard and belt installation is progressing. Hydro tests have been carried out on the concentrate thickeners and power distribution systems have been installed throughout the area.

• At the desalination plant, pressure testing and bubble tests have been completed on the east train and endurance testing has been completed on all three intake pumps. Loop checking is ongoing. Mechanical, electrical and instrumentation installation in the west train is progressing and mechanical installation for the west train pre-treatment is nearing completion.

• Civil work has been completed for all workshops in the mining infrastructure area and steel structure erection is underway.