Bravus Mining and Resources and SMW Group are celebrating the completion of one of the Carmichael mine’s largest local manufacturing contracts following the arrival to site of the twenty-third Ultrahaul tray.
SMW Group’s Rockhampton and Mackay workshops were tasked in August 2021 with fabricating the order of proprietary design haul truck trays, each of which uses 40 tonnes of steel to make.
Bravus Mining and Resources Chief Operating Officer Mick Crowe said the multi-million-dollar works package was evidence of both the capability of regional Queensland’s mining sector and Carmichael’s commitment to provide contracts, jobs, and opportunities to local people and businesses.
“SMW Group’s contribution through this contract is fundamental to the Carmichael mine in a number of ways and demonstrates exactly what our regional content strategy is all about,” Mr Crowe said.
“It’s been people in Mackay and Rockhampton doing the work. The product we’ve got on site is fantastic and it’s helped make the mine more efficient and productive which in turn is creating more local jobs.
“There’s a lot of coal in the world, but the reason Bravus chose to invest here is not only the quality of our mine’s resource but the quality of the supporting resources available to us in regional Queensland.
“We’re a leading provider of safe, efficient, environmentally-compliant mining, and being able to tap into local expertise and add value is one of the key things to being a sustainable, long-term operation.”
SMW Group Chief Operating Officer Cameron Tragardh said they had employed eight new apprentices to service the contract.
“It’s been great working with Bravus Mining and Resources,” Mr Tragardh said.
“A lot of major companies talk about their local content and regional commitments but to get an order of this size from Bravus really shows they’re happy to put their money where their mouth is and invest locally.
“For us we’ve been able to put on eight new apprentices and spread the order between our Rockhampton and Mackay facilities.
“The consistent work has also given our boilermakers an opportunity to hone their skills further and get ready for the next major project, like the Rockhampton Ring Road.”