Precision In Practice
Victoria’s infrastructure landscape continues to evolve at a rapid pace. From large-scale commercial developments, road and tunnelling projects to complex mine expansions, an integrated and systematic approach is essential.
For one Victorian contractor, precise engineering methodologies, supported by ISO compliant and accredited systems, and coupled with decades of technical expertise, are helping build solid foundations across the civil and mining industries.
Berne Fleming Civil (BFC) is a leading provider of civil construction services throughout regional Victoria and metropolitan Melbourne. From its base in Western Victoria, BFC offers a suite of services ranging from project conception to completion, including fully detailed and integrated design, project management and construction activities for both private and government organisations.
BFC is a VicRoads prequalified contractor under the National Prequalification Systems for Civil (Road and Bridge) Construction Contracts. This offers customers and clients peace of mind, knowing that their projects will be delivered systematically, to the required standard and using processes that minimise risks to both health and safety and the environment.
In early 2022, BFC sought to diversify its operations by expanding its specialty earthmoving business into the mining sector. Initially engaged by the Ballarat Gold Mine to undertake a small scope of works, successive owners of the mine have acknowledged the skill, attention to detail and capabilities of the BFC team with a consistent expansion of their on-site role.
The contractor now operates a large fleet of diggers, dozers, dump trucks, water carts and graders within the Ballarat Gold Mine to support Victory Minerals’ ongoing operation, renewal and investment.
“During our three-year involvement, we have delivered a wide range of projects,” said BFC Managing Director, Alistair Jones.
“These included two separate bank raises on the mine’s major tailings dam, the construction of two engineered dry stacking storage facilities, the de-silting of membrane lined dams, the construction and realignment of fresh water diversion drains, and several major cut/fill projects such as the base preparation for the new mill.”
A number of these projects have required BFC to also employ their non-earthmoving skills and equipment, including selective and specialised tree removal using their feller buncher mounted on a 30t excavator, noxious weed management using either of their two remote controlled slope mowers will frail heads, or the in-situ mulching of material up to 16” (400 mm) in diameter.
In addition to project works, BFC is responsible for the management of the tailings generated through mining activities, ensuring there is sufficient capacity within the existing storage facilities to allow the processing of ore to continue.
“We can recover, dry, mix, transport and place over 50,000 tonnes of tailings per month in engineered dumps that comply with geotechnical and environmental requirements,” added Mr Jones.
“The management of the tailings extends the effective life of the existing tailings dam, which not only ensures sufficient flood capacity is maintained, but also minimises environmental and operational risks.”
“BFC is also looking for opportunities to bring our road and bridge construction experience across into the mining sector. We feel there is potential to save mine operators a lot of money by combining our mining experience with our civil construction knowledge and capabilities. Improving haul roads with culverts, bridges, or formalised drainage infrastructure will reduce fuel usage and vehicle maintenance while maximising haul efficiency.”
BFC’s transition into mining operations has been very successful and demonstrates that combining excellent customer service, with highly skilled operators, quality plant and equipment, as well as mature business processes, are key to successful project outcomes.
To learn how Berne Fleming Civil can support your next project, contact 03 5335 8919 or visit bfc.com.au.
