With the growing city of Hobart on its doorstep and higher customer demand, Bridgewater Quarry – until very recently - has required external contract mobile crushing for incremental capacity.
Built in 1977 on the outskirts of Tasmania’s capital, Bridgewater – at the time – boasted a state-of-the-art processing plant, the latest crushing equipment, a floating control room and even included shagpile carpet on the walls to help protect the crusher operator from noise.
Fast forward to the 2020s, the operational capacity was maxed out. But after a visit from Neil Bellamy, Quarries Process Optimisation Manager in Queensland, an opportunity for increased fixed plant throughput was identified.
“Using an idea that Neil had previously implemented at Burleigh Heads Quarry up in Queensland, of replacing a vibrating screen with a chute arrangement to deliver an ‘all in feed gradation’, we were able to implement a step-change improvement that moved the plant from 340 tonnes per hour to 400 tonnes per hour,” said Gary Chapman, General Manager Concrete and Quarries Tasmania.
The improvement project, worth $1 million, was one of the first approved by the National Investment Committee and followed a standard format to demonstrate the business case and define clear project outcomes.
The improvement works began at the end of last year, with a team composed of CQM (supplier/installer), site leadership, the major projects team members and the site Health and Safety Business Partner. The installation, which occurred around the Christmas break, took four weeks involving the removal of the roof of the crushing house, and multiple two crane lifts.
On completion of the project, Neil Bellamy said: “Without being too biased I’d say it’s one of the best million dollars we’ve ever spent regarding bang for our buck!”
Bridgewater Quarry Manager, Scott Bennett said he “was proud of the team’s achievements”.
“The recent upgrade will help with delivering customer needs,” Scott said. “And on top of our production uplift, it’s worth noting the team has just passed 1,100 days injury-free.”
“The project was completed on time, on budget, safely and is now delivering the stated benefits.”
Said Gary Chapman, General Manager Concrete and Quarries Tasmania.
