The first module of the Coal Handling and Preparation Plant (CHPP) at Mongolian Mining Corporation’s (MMC’s) Ukhaa Khudag (UHG) coking coal mine was successfully commissioned by the State Professional Inspection Authority of Mongolia on 11 June 2011, as scheduled.
The design, procurement and construction of the CHPP was undertaken by Sedgman Limited, one of the world ‘s leading engineering companies in coal processing and material handling technology.
Sedgman Chairman, Russell Kempnich was on hand at the Opening of the Coal Handling and Preparation Plant on 11 June, to cut the ribbon. “Sedgman has built many coal processing facilities around the world but UHG is truly a first on so many levels, not the least of which, it is the first in Mongolia,” Kempnich said in his opening address.
The CHPP is comprised of three processing modules and a single product handling system. The first module of the CHPP has the capacity to process around 5 million tonnes of run-of-mine (“ROM”) coal per annum, based on the design of minimum 6,000 operating hours per year. The physical construction process of the first module took approximately 11-12 months and Sedgman’s comprehensive, effective and fast-paced progress was achieved by adopting international best practices in contracting and construction management.
The CHPP was designed by Sedgman as a customised solution to maximize the coking coal product yield and utilizes modern equipment of well-known brands from Australia, USA, Europe, South Africa and China. The project has involved a total of approximately 600 workers from over 20 different contractors and the CHPP will work on a 2 by 12-hours shifts employing in total around 96 staff.
The first module of the CHPP with 900 t/h two-stage dense medium cyclone (DMC) module coal preparation plant, is also being operated by Sedgman, who were awarded a three year operating contract in January 2011.
“This a world class Coal Handling and Preparation Plant and a world class mine. UHG is the project by which other projects will be judged and it is the beginning of an exciting future for Mongolia’s coal industry.” Kempnich said.
The plant’s highly-automated, high availability design is particularly important for this remote site and is testament to Sedgman’s innovation. The plant is housed within a purpose-built, insulated building incorporating a specialised heating system to maintain temperatures inside at 10 to 15 degrees Celsius. Controlling the temperature is crucial in South Gobi region, where outside temperatures reach as low as -40 degrees Celsius during winter.
Sedgman is also delivering ECPM services on the second module, UHG 2, which will double the CHPP’s processing capacity. Construction has already commenced and work is progressing, with the second module scheduled for completion and commissioning by the 4th quarter 2011.