MCA Engineering has successfully completed a comprehensive multi-year materials handling and hoisting refurbishment study for the Mt Lyell Copper Mine in Tasmania, working with Sibanye Stillwater to assess the viability of recommissioning the operation. The study provided a whole-of-system evaluation across underground and surface infrastructure, engineering design, and long-term asset planning.
Over the course of the project, MCA delivered full structural and mechanical condition assessments of the underground crusher station, ore passes, conveyors, shaft infrastructure, headframe, winder and surface materials handling systems. This work was supported by detailed engineering reviews, defect registers and prioritised remediation plans to guide future investment.
A major component of the study was the haulage and hoisting capacity analysis, which modelled production scenarios of 3Mtpa+ and identified key bottlenecks and upgrade pathways. MCA also redesigned shaft steelwork to meet modern Australian standards and completed TRG and OEM compliance reviews of the hoisting system.
On the surface, MCA developed new conveyor and storage bin layouts aligned with the proposed processing plant, supported by constructability, power and integration assessments. The team also delivered a full Class 2 capital cost estimate, helping the client understand the investment required for a potential restart.
This completed study reinforces MCA Engineering’s capability as a leading provider of underground hoisting, shaft engineering and materials handling expertise across Australia’s mining sector.