ISO 9001:2015, ISO 14001:2015 and ISO 45001:2018
Underground De-Watering
Two Stage Pumping Stations
Project Overview
Western Areas required electrical infrastructure to support assessment of an untapped ore body at the Cosmos Nickel Underground Mine. The project involved delivering pump control and power systems across two underground levels to manage surplus water evacuation.
Imperium provided full Electrical, Instrumentation and Control (EIC) project delivery within a live brownfields mining environment.
Scope
Imperium delivered project management, engineering, design and commissioning services for two separate MCC systems supporting critical underground pumping infrastructure.
Close coordination was maintained with the client’s nominated Process and Mechanical consultants to ensure seamless system integration.
- Two Motor Control Centres (MCCs)
- Supply and integration of: 3 × 11kV 250kW Duty/Standby VVVF pumps per level, Seven (6 + 1 spare) 250kW 1000V AC VSDs, 12 harmonic filters
- Electrical project management
- EIC engineering and detailed design
- Commissioning of electrical and control systems
- Modifications to existing power station infrastructure
- Upgrades to underground power distribution
- Communications integration with existing client systems
- Preparation of Electrical Installation Scope of Work (for client tender)
- Power System Study Report
- Ongoing engineering support
Deliverables
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Two fully engineered MCC systems
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VSD and harmonic filter integration
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Underground 11kV pump control systems
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Brownfields power and communications modifications
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Electrical Installation Scope of Work documentation
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Power System Study Report
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Commissioning and handover documentation
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Ongoing engineering support
Outcome
The project was delivered on time and under budget, commissioned to a condition enabling safe handover to the client’s site electrical supervisor.
Imperium negotiated directly with VSD manufacturers to secure priority production of long-lead items, ensuring delivery within the required timeframe. The MCCs were designed for harsh underground conditions, future EI&C expansion, and operational ease.
Through efficient engineering and supply strategies, Imperium achieved over 50% cost savings across engineering and equipment supply compared to initial expectations.