Cosira Group are awarded additional work at Unki Mine
10 September 2010
The Cosira Group have been awarded the additional Unki Conveyor structural, mechanicaland piping (SMP) project in Zimbabwe.
According to John da Silva, CEO of the Cosira Group, one of the largest steel fabrication companies in Southern Africa, this announcement follows the successful completion of the structural, mechanical, pipework and platework installations at the Unki Platinum Mine and Process Plant, 80km from Gweru, on the Zimbabwean Dyke.
Contracted by DRA, the Cosira Group was awarded the project in 2008, ultimately erecting 2 500 tonnes of structural steel and platework, as well as 18km of piping at the mine. Unki Mine’s existing system is being upgraded, replacing it with a more efficient processing system capable of delivering ROM material at the concentrator design requirements.
The Cosira Group completed its original scope of work in February 2010. DRA then awarded the M&I SMP contract to the Cosira Group for the supply and installation of the overland conveyor feeding the Feed Silo, and therefore the concentrator plant.
According to Project Manager, Kosie du Toit from the Cosira Group, “The installation of the overland conveyor will comprise of approximately 150 tonnes of steelwork, and 8km of piping in and around the Mine.
Due to some of the intricate construction work required on the contract the mine will be shutdown temporarily to accommodate the installation of the 20 tonne interconnecting structure. Another innovative development will be the use of non-magnetic stainless steel to prolong the life of the completed works.
A significant challenge for the construction team as it was in the last project is the transportation of materials to site. “The successful completion is 100% dependant on the timeous delivery of resources, as well as efficient fitment and assembly of items in the ground prior to erecting the structures at the site. At this point the deadline is still set for the 10 August 2010,” concluded du Toit.