Advanced Refrigeration & Air-Cooling System for Coleman Mine
Project Overview
In 2020, during the height of a global pandemic, Patrick Mechanical Ltd. successfully completed the installation of an advanced refrigeration and air cooling system at Vale’s Coleman Mine, located at the McCreedy East Fresh Air Raise in Levack, Ontario. Our team of experts dedicated over 32,000 personnel hours to the project, delivering comprehensive civil, structural, mechanical, and electrical installations. This groundbreaking system, installed in collaboration with BBE Consulting Canada, marked the first of its kind in Canada.
Challenges
- Tight Project Deadlines: Despite an aggressive timeline, our team met all critical milestones on schedule.
- Global Pandemic: The project faced unprecedented challenges due to the COVID-19 pandemic, including disruptions in supply chains and labor availability.
- Evolving Guidelines: Changes in provincial and federal guidelines significantly impacted logistics, especially for international resources. However, our team adapted swiftly to ensure smooth project execution.
Result & Impact
- Seamless Coordination Across Continents: Engineering teams were based out of BBE Consulting South Africa and BBE Consulting Canada, while critical components were sourced from Italy, Canada, China, South Africa, and the U.S.A. Despite these geographical separations, all parties worked together efficiently to meet project deadlines.
- Local Fabrication Expertise: All piping was fabricated at Patrick Mechanical’s shop in Lively, Ontario, with structural steel also sourced and fabricated within Northern Ontario. This localized production helped maintain quality control and kept the project on track, despite global disruptions.
