Located 900 kilometres from Port Moresby, Lihir’s remote location and historic stock control challenges combined with an unprecedented challenge: the global COVID-19 pandemic.
Meticulous planning was required, as shutdown teams had to adhere to new infection control protocols and faced additional delays and restrictions getting materials and personnel to and from site.
The project
For a planned shutdown at the Lihir gold mine in 2021, Newcrest intended to use in-house tools and an existing tool store on site. But when sourcing equipment and personnel at short notice proved difficult, Newcrest enlisted expert support from Coates.
The solution
Coates supplied a staffed tool store, with consumables, hand tools and small equipment managed via its proprietary asset management system.
By combining two purpose-built facilities – a fully stocked storage container and a front counter – Coates supported a temporary workforce of more than 1,800 people from 30 different subcontractors during the six- week shutdown.
The impact
By managing both hired and customer-supplied tools, equipment and consumables via one portal, Coates achieved less than 1 per cent tool loss and helped Newcrest reduce overall costs.
“We were able to see exactly what Newcrest was spending and provide quality data to inform the planning of future maintenance events,” Coates industrial services and events manager Chris Wright said.
Coates’ asset management system ensured all tools were properly documented and well- maintained, too.
“We were particularly impressed with Coates’ stock control and reporting systems,” Newcrest Mining shutdown logistics senior planner Anthony Paskin said.
The Coates difference
Responsive service, meticulous and adaptive planning, mobilising at speed and scale, experienced Tool Store Controllers, industry-leading asset management technology.
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