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Nickel Rim, a new
nickel mine in the
Sudbury basin,
shows a modern
face in its design and
project execution
Xstrata Nickel assigned the full
EPCM scope for engineering,
procurement, and construction
management to Hatch in jointventure
with a local partner.
The Hatch EPCM team peaked
at 120 members managing five
design groups and up to 15
contracting firms on site at the
same time.
Strict access rules and
performance standards were
imposed on all site personnel,
contractors and suppliers to
guarantee that safety protocols
were obeyed to the letter.
When the project was completed
more than seven million hours
were expended including a run
of five million without a
lost-time injury.
The project’s scope included
all surface and underground
infrastructure, a ventilation shaft
sunk to 1,685 metres, and a
production shaft sunk to
1,750 metres.
The underground infrastructure
includes 25 km of lateral mine
development, and, to prove ore
body geometry, mineral grades
and tonnage some 125 km of
diamond-drilling.
Nickel Rim is now producing at
1.2 million tonnes per annum;
however hoisting infrastructure
is designed to extract up to a
maximum of 1.7 million tpa of
combined ore and waste rock,
when required.
The project was completed
safely, three percent below
budget with first production
ahead of schedule.
Meet the Specialists
Environmental Services Group
Permitting can be a long and tedious step in
the development of a mine, port or power
generation facility.
Protecting the environment, engaging aboriginal
groups and controlling energy costs require special
expertise and knowledge.
Corinne Boone
Global Director
Environmental Services Group
Benchmark: We can show you where you are…and where you should be.
Hatch Advantage July 2011 | 9