Tunnel work off with a bang at NQ hydro project

The team building Genex Power's $777 million Kidston hydro-electricity project has started underground excavation works with the first major blast for the Main Access Tunnel (MAT). The company said tunnelling operations were now progressing on a 24/7 basis with two shifts per day at the North Queensland site. This would progress the tunnelling works at an average rate of 8m per day over the next 6 months. "Following an intense period of site establishment and preparation works, I am delighted that the EPC Contractor JV of McConnell Dowell and John Holland has formally commenced the underground excavation works for the Kidston pumped storage hydro project," Genex chief executive officer James Harding said. Schematic of the MAT down to the powerhouse cavern. "This represents a significant milestone in the project construction timeline, which was achieved ahead of schedule. "We look forward to working alongside the EPC JV and keeping the market updated as the program continues to push ahead over the course of this year.” The 6m-wide and 6m-high tunnel will reach about 1.5km in length as it spirals down to access the hydro project's powerhouse cavern. The cavern, about 250m below ground level, will house two 125MW Andritz Hydro reversible pump turbines. The MAT is constructed using conventional full-face drill and blast excavation methodology, with a single heading taking approximately 6 months to reach the first adit. Related: Peak power group pushes ‘ambitious’ climate target This will provide first access to the powerhouse cavern. Once the first adit is reached, multiple tunnel headings will progress to expedite the powerhouse cavern excavation. The Kidston pumped storage hydro project will reuse the old Kidston mining pits (Wises and Eldridge) as the upper and lower reservoirs, with energy stored through the transfer of water between them. In addition to the start of the underground works, site activity continues to ramp up, with works commenced on the following near term construction milestones: • Commencement of procurement and manufacture of key turbine components;• Completion of the blast magazine storage area and access road;• Near completion of the 22kV distribution line, with transformer installed with final connection works ongoing;• Ongoing aggregate crushing plant and concrete batch plant operations; and• Continuation of services reticulation around the site for construction purposes. An underground loader mucks out after blasting to begin MAT excavation.

Tunnel work off with a bang at NQ hydro project

Industry Queensland

Related News

Emu keen on Fiery Creek porphyry potential

Mammoth task on track for Coronado Global Resources

Curragh coal crews dig in after wet start

Get access to breaking mining news, now.