Mine shutdowns represent a crucial period in mining operations reserved for equipment upgrades, repairs, and preventive maintenance—activities essential for sustaining long-term productivity and avoiding costly unplanned breakdowns. Tier 1 contractor Boom Logistics has distinguished itself as a trusted partner in delivering these complex shutdowns safely, on time, and within budget, leveraging its extensive national footprint and deep operational expertise.
Boom Logistics, the only publicly listed crane company in Australia, maintains a strong presence in key mining regions, including Western Australia’s goldfields, South Australia’s copper belts, and Queensland and New South Wales’ coal hubs. With 16 strategically located depots, including service centres in critical mining towns such as Port Hedland, Newman, Leonora, Mackay, Olympic Dam, and Singleton, the company positions itself close to the sites where its services are most needed.
Shutdown success, according to Boom’s general manager for western operations, Chris Vas, depends heavily on meticulous preparation and collaborative execution. “The success of every shutdown is contingent on how much effort goes into planning, and then it’s about operational execution,” Vas said. He emphasised that open communication between the shutdown team and the client is vital to prevent costly missteps, as even well-laid plans can falter without effective dialogue. Boom Logistics fosters a culture of connectivity and teamwork across its national operations, understanding that such relationships underpin operational safety and performance.
Preparation for a shutdown involves detailed front-end planning to match client needs with site-specific requirements. Site assessments occur well in advance, allowing Boom to tailor shutdown strategies including resource allocation, asset mobilisation, and compliance measures. Compliance remains paramount, ensuring the right personnel and equipment are in place to meet the scope and safety demands of complex mining operations. Director of operations Lester Fernandez highlighted the importance of having cranes and crews ready and on standby exactly when needed, describing the coordination during shutdowns as akin to “three-dimensional chess.” The ability to adapt swiftly to emergent priorities, such as sudden equipment breakdowns, demands agility and precise re-sequencing of tasks executed by frontline supervisors in concert with operations teams.
Boom Logistics’ proven capabilities are reinforced by its longstanding relationships with major miners. The company has supported large-scale projects like BHP’s Olympic Dam smelter shutdown, where it supplied cranes and rigging expertise for a shutdown spanning several months. This engagement, dating back to 2012, has generated significant revenue and showcased Boom’s ability to handle high-stakes maintenance intervals. Similarly, its contract renewal with Anglo American for crane and lifting services in Queensland’s Bowen Basin underscores Boom’s role as a crucial service provider in coal mining maintenance, covering both planned shutdowns and urgent reactive work.
Beyond shutdowns, Boom has expanded its mining services portfolio to encompass daily maintenance tasks involving cranes supporting conveyor maintenance, HVAC system work, and major plumbing and hydraulic upgrades. The company’s recent $60 million contract with Newmont Mining to provide crane services at the Boddington Gold Operation in Western Australia exemplifies its growth trajectory and commitment to sustainable, value-driven operations rather than expansion for its own sake.
The critical nature of shutdowns is well recognised in the mining industry. Studies indicate that equipment downtime can result in loss rates averaging around $180,000 per incident, leading to billions annually in aggregate costs. Preventive maintenance and sophisticated logistical planning during shutdown windows mitigate these risks, extending machinery lifespan and avoiding catastrophic failures. Competitors such as Mammoet also highlight the importance of planned changeouts and risk management to optimise costs and limit operational disruptions, emphasising the intricate choreography required to resume mining activities swiftly and safely after maintenance.
Technological and strategic advances, including real-time monitoring and digital maintenance records, continue to enhance the execution of shutdowns, addressing historical challenges like limited spare parts availability and workforce skills shortage. Moreover, innovative approaches such as the installation of truck turntables at above-ground crushers illustrate the industry’s ongoing efforts to improve operational efficiencies beyond just maintenance windows.
In sum, Boom Logistics exemplifies how expertise, preparation, and relationship-building underpin successful mine shutdowns, safeguarding operational continuity and driving long-term value for mine operators across Australia’s diverse resource sectors. Their integrated approach—from front-end planning to agile execution and day-to-day support—positions them as a pivotal player in managing the complex logistics that underpin critical maintenance periods in the mining industry.
Source: Noah Wire Services
Subscribe to Industry Updates
