Yancoal’s Mount Thorley Warkworth (MTW) mine in Singleton is due to operate until 2037, and in a bid to increase their maintenance efficiency and productivity, construction has finished on a new eight-bay workshop.

It has been a long time coming, but the doors are finally open on the new Ultra Class Truck Workshop, adjacent to the existing workshop at the MTW.

The team started the project five years ago developing concept designs, with the final designs being completed two years later. It took about 15 months of regular engagement and consulting with site and external stakeholders to decide on an overall design that met all of the site’s needs.

Farrelly Construction Services (FCS) was awarded the tender for the works and completed the workshop in an uncomplicated, straightforward, and trouble-free way including when delays or unknown problems appeared.

Construction wasn’t as simple as pouring a concrete slab and building the workshop either. One of the many hurdles the project team had to overcome was removing an old septic system that was right in the middle of where the new Western side hardstand was to be constructed.

Project Manager, Gary Brooks, said the project was made easier by having a reliable contractor to work with.

“This wonderful cooperation between principal and contractor ensured we were able to deliver on time and at minimal variation costs, therefore keeping the project within budget.

“The safety performance for the project was excellent. This reflected a true indication of FCS’s commitment and performance values, which were highlighted during the tender and procurement processes,” said Gary.

MTW Maintenance Manager Warwick Gloster said the Maintenance Team had been getting more and more excited the closer the project came to being finished.

“They’ve been chomping at the bit to get in there.

“Watching it evolve over 18 months there has been a lot of cautious worry, but it is a first-class facility and it is above our expectations.

“I have had daily, weekly, monthly updates and walkthroughs and safety conversations and the team has been first class. The contractor, Farrelly, and all of their subcontractors have been really responsive to everything we’ve requested. They have been a part of our workforce and settled in with the Yancoal Way of doing things while they were on site.”

There are about 100 trucks that operate across the two open cut pits at MTW, 15 kilometres southwest of Singleton.

General Manager David Bennett said it Is a really good feeling to have a brand-new workshop for the site, especially after investments in other areas of the mine over the last few years.

“I am so happy for our site and our maintainers and leaders who will use this facility and put it to good use over the next 15 years or so.

“We have put a lot of time and effort into it, so it is wonderful to see the result.

“The MTW Maintenance team have done a great job in our old facilities with such a large fleet. They have worked safely and productively there, but now we are giving them the facility that they need in order to maintain our mining fleet into the future.”

While the existing maintenance facilities will still be put to good use, the extra capacity of the new workshop was much needed and ensures that the right infrastructure is in place for the future. 

The official unveiling of the new workshop attracted managerial staff from right across the company, including Bill McKinstrey, the Executive General Manager of Operations at Yancoal.

“We have invested heavily in MTW – it is a long-term, tier one asset for us. This new workshop is an enabler to continue the growth and improvement of the business,” he said.