Christmas Creek RC031 Bucket Wheel Gearbox and Slide Chute Change

Client Fortescue

Service  Specialised Services

Location Western Australia

Market

Mining & Industrial

Commodity Iron Ore

Overview

Reclaimer RC031 is a critical asset within Fortescue's Christmas Creek operations, responsible for reclaiming processed fines from the stockyard to the train loadout system. Linkforce delivered a major shutdown package to replace ageing bucket wheel, gearbox and chute infrastructure, restoring the reliability and performance of this key ore handling asset. Executed within a constrained shutdown window, the works included mechanical, structural, fabrication and coating activities supported by detailed planning and integrated project delivery.

Service Delivery Area 

• Balance Machinery

• Mechanical & Structural

• Fabrication

• Precision Maintenance

• Access Solutions

• Protective Coatings & Structural Integrity

• Transport & Logistics

Value Added 

• Experienced balanced machine execution team with extensive shutdown and asset maintenance expertise

• In-house fabrication capability, delivering 20 tonnes of structural steel fabrication to support project delivery

• Agile execution approach that successfully managed incorrect supplied parts, design clashes and emergent scope during the shutdown

• Integrated delivery across mechanical, structural, scaffolding, fabrication and coatings disciplines

• Continuous improvement initiatives that minimised schedule impacts and optimised the asset's post-shutdown performance

• Certified management systems aligned with ISO 9001, ISO 14001 and ISO 45001 standards

Outcome 

Linkforce successfully replaced the bucket wheel assembly, buckets, drive shaft, bearings, gearbox, hydraulic components and revised discharge chute assembly, including associated liners and wear components. Additional works included conveyor skirt modifications, structural remediation, blasting and coating activities, together with the management of unforeseen corrosion, component runout issues and chute design clashes identified during execution. Through agile planning and rapid technical problem solving, the project was completed ahead of schedule, returning the reclaimer to production with no rework required and improved long-term reliability.