Mogale Tailings Retreatment

  • Date of Steelwork Completion
    2024-06-30
Project Type
Project Team Interview Case Study
Project Summary Case Study
Steel Profiles Used
  • Date of Steelwork Completion
    2024-06-30
  • Tonnage
    1300
  • Hot Rolled Structural Sections
    IPE Sections, Equal Angles, Unequal Angles, Flat Bars
  • Plates
    High Strength and Special Structural Plates
Project Overview

Project Scope:
• Detail, Fabricate, Construct and Erect 10 Welded CIL Tanks
• Clients original tender called for tanks to be fabricated and welded on site.
• Betterect proposed an alternative solution of bolted rubber lined tanks. Betterect designed, detailed and completed a finite analysis on the design of the tanks.
• This proposal meant that

Project Details
The fabrication process includes precise welding techniques to create seamless joints, preventing leakage and ensuring structural integrity. Additionally, special attention is paid to the lining of the tanks with abrasion-resistant materials to withstand the abrasive nature of the slurry. Quality control measures are rigorously implemented througho
The modular, bolted design of the steel tanks allowed for seamless on-site installation. Fabricated in a controlled workshop environment, the tank sections were precisely aligned and assembled with minimal crew, eliminating the need for extensive welding. This approach significantly reduced the project's exposure to weather delays and safety risks
The project faced significant weather challenges, with prolonged periods of heavy rain and high winds. However, the modular, bolted steel design proved resilient, enabling uninterrupted fabrication in the controlled workshop environment. Compared to welded tanks, the reduced on-site hook time and smaller crew size of the bolted solution minimised the impact of inclement weather during installation. Betterect's innovative approach to rigging and lifting methodologies further mitigated the risks posed by high winds, ensuring a seamless and safe erection process. The inherent flexibility and durability of steel allowed the team to quickly adapt to late design changes, maintaining the project's momentum despite the challenging conditions.
Benefits of Steel in this Application

• Strength and Durability:
Steel is known for its high strength-to-weight ratio, making it a durable and robust material for constructing tanks. CIL tanks are subjected to harsh conditions, including chemical reactions and abrasion, and steel can withstand these conditions effectively.

• Corrosion Resistance:
Steel can be coated or alloyed to enhance its resistance to corrosion, which is crucial in CIL tanks where corrosive chemicals are present. Proper surface treatments and coatings can significantly prolong the lifespan of steel tanks in such environments.

• Customization and Flexibility:
Steel fabrication allows for flexibility in design and construction, enabling engineers to tailor tanks to specific project requirements. This flexibility includes variations in size, shape, and features like baffles or agitators, optimizing tank performance.

• Ease of Maintenance:
Steel tanks are relatively easy to maintain compared to other materials. Routine inspections and maintenance activities such as cleaning, repairs, and coatings can be performed efficiently, minimizing downtime and
operational disruptions.

• Cost-Effectiveness:
Despite the initial investment, steel construction can be cost-effective in the long run due to its durability and low maintenance requirements. Additionally, steel fabrication processes have become increasingly efficient, reducing production costs.

• Recyclability:
Steel is highly recyclable, making it an environmentally friendly choice for construction. At the end of a tank's lifespan, steel components can be recycled and used in new applications, reducing waste and conserving resources.

Overall, the use of steel in CIL tanks provides a reliable and efficient solution for processing facilities in the mining industry, offering longevity, customization, and cost-effectiveness.

Carbon-in leach (CIL) is a simultaneous leach and absorption process. The simultaneous leach and absorption phases of the CIL process were developed for processing gold ores that contain pre-robbing materials such as natural absorptive carbon. These reduce the gold yield by attracting gold meant for the activated carbon. Simultaneous leaching and absorption help minimise the problem. The MTR plant will produce about 50 000 oz of gold a year over an expected 20-year period.

Testimonials

Betterect is immensely proud of the innovative, cost-effective steel solution they delivered for the Mahali Tailings Retreatment Project. The successful partnership with the client, coupled with the project's on-time completion and significant savings, has solidified Betterect's reputation as a leader in steel fabrication for large-scale mining applications.