Brockman 4 Rockbreaker Upgrades

BRIEF  

Linkforce completed essential upgrades to the rock breaking infrastructure at Rio Tinto’s Brockman Syncline 4, addressing downtime and safety risks impacting production. The project included replacing four rock breakers and delivering structural, electrical, and control system enhancements to support remote operation. Completed in both online and offline environments, the works were delivered with minimal disruption, improving safety, efficiency, and long-term performance. 

OVERVIEW 

Linkforce was engaged to deliver essential upgrades to the rock breaking infrastructure at Rio Tinto’s Brockman Syncline 4 (B4), part of the Greater Brockman Operations (GBO). The GBO region had been experiencing elevated downtime due to delays in rock breaking, directly impacting the crushing process and causing significant downstream production losses. In addition to operational inefficiencies, the existing setup posed safety risks to personnel during manual operations. 

The project scope included the removal and replacement of three rock breakers at the PC1 ROM, PC1 Primary Crusher, and PC2 Primary Crusher, along with the completion of one rock breaker installation at the PC2 ROM. To enable remote operation capabilities, Linkforce also fabricated and installed platform extensions, crusher sliding cages, and panel supports, and completed CCTV and electrical/control system upgrades across four key locations. 

Executed in both online and offline environments, the project required close collaboration with Rio Tinto’s operations and project teams to minimise disruption to mining activities. Leveraging strategic planning, technical expertise and a strong understanding of site conditions, Linkforce delivered the project efficiently. The result was improved safety, increased operational efficiency, and enhanced long-term performance of the rock breaking infrastructure. 

OUTCOME 

The successful delivery of the B4 rock breaker upgrade highlights Linkforce’s capability to deliver intricate infrastructure upgrades in active mining environments. By aligning closely with Rio Tinto’s operational teams and applying a flexible, solutions-focused approach, Linkforce ensured the successful integration of advanced rock breaking systems. The outcome not only resolved critical production and safety challenges but also positioned the site for improved performance and reduced downtime moving forward.