Westland Mineral Sands is excited to share a major achievement with the successful completion of our multi-million-dollar Nine Mile upgrade.
This transformative project marks a significant step forward in our ongoing mission to improve efficiency, safety, and product quality, all while enhancing our environmental sustainability.
A Bold Vision Transformed into Reality
The Nine Mile upgrade was not just about upgrading systems—it was about setting a new standard for how we operate and deliver value. Over the past months, our dedicated team has worked tirelessly to implement a series of upgrades that will not only boost our operational capabilities but also enable us to better serve our customers across the globe.
Key elements of the upgrade include:
- Electrical and Control System Overhaul: We’ve improved the core of our operations with a complete refit of the Motor Control Centre (MCC), streamlining our electrical systems and ensuring more efficient, reliable performance.
- HMC Vibrating Screen Upgrade: Our new vibrating screen will allow us to extract a higher-value garnet product, opening doors to new markets and creating additional revenue streams from both domestic and international customers.
- State-of-the-Art SCADA System: With the upgrade of our Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) system, we now have real-time monitoring capabilities for critical processes. This allows us to detect potential safety hazards early, optimise production efficiency, and manage operations remotely—ultimately improving safety, productivity, and cost-effectiveness.
- Advanced Instrumentation and Infrastructure: We’ve added a suite of new instrumentation, including sensors, flow meters, density meters, and automatic samplers, all designed to provide us with real-time data for better decision-making and plant management. These upgrades also include new pumping systems and the replacement of 19 spiral separators to enhance our processing capabilities.
- Sustainable Tailings Management: As part of our commitment to sustainability, we’ve installed a new pumping and pipeline network to facilitate the direct placement of tailings in-pit. This reduces our environmental footprint while enhancing overall operational efficiency.
What This Means for the Future
These upgrades aren’t just technical improvements—they’re a key part of our strategy to enhance product quality, boost operational efficiency, and create sustainable, long-term growth.
- Improved Product Quality: By optimising our plant to suit our ore body more effectively, we expect higher recovery rates and better-quality garnet products, meeting the increasing demand from both existing and new customers.
- Greater Automation and Safety: With many processes now automated, we’re reducing manual intervention, enhancing safety, and freeing up valuable resources to focus on more strategic activities.
- Real-Time Insights for Smarter Decisions: The new instrumentation and monitoring systems allow us to make better-informed decisions faster, helping us optimise every part of our operation for greater efficiency and profitability.
A Tribute to Our Team
This upgrade was a team effort—one that reflects the strength of our company culture. From day one, our people demonstrated incredible teamwork, dedication, and a shared commitment to excellence. It’s not just about the technology; it’s about how our people work together to achieve greatness. Whether it was daily safety sessions, team-building BBQs, or just staying focused on the goal, every step of the project was a testament to our collaborative spirit.
We are incredibly proud of the work our team has done to make this upgrade a success. Their unwavering dedication ensures that we are better positioned than ever to deliver value to our customers and shareholders.
Looking Ahead
With the Nine Mile upgrade now complete, we’re excited for the future. We will continue to drive innovation and efficiency, constantly looking for ways to improve our operations and sustainability efforts. This project has set the stage for even greater achievements, and we look forward to the continued success it will bring for our company, our customers, and our stakeholders.
