In mining, shutdowns are inevitable and, whether planned or unplanned, they form a critical part of operations. More than just downtime, shutdowns are a high-stakes operation that demands precision and a high-level of skill to keep operations running while facing immense pressure to meet deadlines without compromising safety.
These high-risk operations call for more than just experience — they require absolute trust and the ability to deliver when it matters most. Designed to face this challenge head-on, SSS delivers specialist support that empowers operational excellence by creating stability in high-risk environments.
SSS was created in 2018 when founders, after many years of working with Tier 1 mining companies, saw that the industry needed a professional team to provide specialised support throughout the execution phase of shutdowns that miners could absolutely count on.
From a company that started with only a handful of staff and one client in the Pilbara, SSS has since grown to a workforce of more than 300 specialists across Australia and Canada.
Today, as a global-leading mining and infrastructure services business, SSS provides high-quality solutions for complex shutdown and project operations for major mining clients across Australia and Canada to deliver shutdowns safely, on time and on budget.
As a comprehensive solutions provider, SSS supports clients with shutdown execution, project management, health and safety management, scheduling and planning, administration and logistics support, materials logistics as well as quality control and assurance.
With 285 shutdowns completed across more than 50 sites in FY25 alone, SSS have a proven track record in providing a unique, high-quality service underpinned by a team of experienced and competent shutdown professionals.
The team at SSS don’t just manage projects, they remove uncertainty and partner with clients to achieve excellence.
Shutdown management
SSS’ extensive exposure to different sites across Australia, allows the team to deliver the most effective approaches for every project — providing a smooth transition from commissioning through to plant outage and operation.
Supported by highly skilled staff with extensive experience and industry knowledge, the SSS team is equipped to manage urgent requests and site-specific challenges with ease.
SSS provides the right people and the right systems to ensure projects are completed to the highest level of quality, on time and within budget, providing quick turnarounds for even the most demanding work schedules.
Safety management
From execution and planning, SSS has grown into a high-level safety specialist provider that supports contracting partners throughout their operations.
At SSS, safety specialists are part of a highly skilled team of personnel who act on behalf of the client and consistently work on-site with all personnel, teaching and engaging to prioritise a safe work environment.
SSS partners with clients to deliver safety systems that genuinely work.
Material logistics
After identifying another pressing need to greatly reduce cost savings and increase time efficiencies, SSS experienced exponential growth with the development of its material logistics department in 2022.
SSS now delivers complete materials and logistics support for shutdowns and site projects with great cost benefits to contracted partners. SSS works closely with contractors to make sure every component is where it needs to be, when it needs to be there. Its material handlers are trained for complex worksites and high-value equipment, ensuring safety and control at every stage.
With no sign of slowing down, SSS’ management team have now grown into the consulting space to develop detailed timelines and strategic plans as part of shutdown frameworks on behalf of clients — from planning and scheduling right through to execution.
Local success, global scale
In 2023, SSS began working with a Tier 1 miner in Kalgoorlie, WA, at one of Australia’s largest open pit operations and has since delivered three successful shutdowns as well as a training initiative for personnel.
SSS Operations Manager David Goodes says SSS works with their execution and operations team from bringing the plant down and all the way through to commission.
“Most sites only shutdown three to four times per year,” Mr Goodes said.
“Our guys are doing three to four shutdowns per month.”
With this high level of exposure across a variety of mine sites throughout Australia, SSS has positioned themselves as the go-to specialists in the shutdown space.
From planning to execution, minimise downtime, maximise safety and ensure success with SSS.
