1. Background
Loadquip, in collaboration with CMP Engineers, has played a leading role in the design and manufacture of salt harvesters. In 2013, CMP Engineers was engaged by Rio Tinto to deliver the structural and mechanical design for the salt harvesters at its Dampier salt operation.
Building on this success, Loadquip was subsequently engaged by BCI Minerals to deliver a turn-key solution for the Mardie Salt and SOP Project.
CMP Engineers and Loadquip were selected for their proven track record in delivering innovative mining solutions, deep expertise in salt harvester design, and ability to engineer reliable, customised systems for demanding operating conditions.
Building on this success, Loadquip was subsequently engaged by BCI Minerals to deliver a turn-key solution for the Mardie Salt and SOP Project.
CMP Engineers and Loadquip were selected for their proven track record in delivering innovative mining solutions, deep expertise in salt harvester design, and ability to engineer reliable, customised systems for demanding operating conditions.
2. Challenge
The central challenge was to engineer a harvester that combined mechanical robustness with continuous, high-performance operation in an intensely corrosive and fatigue-critical environment, while remaining commercially viable to fabricate, maintain, and operate.
Key technical challenges included:
Key technical challenges included:
- Structural design of systems that are subject to high loads in a corrosive environment.
- Design of conventional and non-conventional conveyor systems.
- Design and integration of hydraulic systems to power critical functions of the harvester.
- Development and integration of robust control systems and PLC hardware.
3. Solution
Drawing on extensive experience across mining and heavy industry, Loadquip and CMP Engineers developed an integrated solution that enables reliable, large-scale salt production. Loadquip’s 1500 TPH harvester incorporates robust, modern hydraulic and PLC control systems engineered to maximise reliability, operational safety, and efficiency. As an experienced systems integrator, Loadquip ensured each component worked seamlessly as part of a cohesive whole, delivering straightforward operation and sustained performance in demanding conditions.
4. Outcomes
The Rio Tinto salt harvesters have operated successfully for a total of four years, meeting performance requirements and operational expectations. Their sustained reliability has supported consistent, large-scale salt production and contributed to the long-term profitability of the operation.
Fabrication, assembly, and factory acceptance testing have now been completed for the Mardie Salt Harvester; the first of its kind. Testing confirmed that the machine exceeded its functional requirements. Once commissioned, it will underpin full-scale salt production at the Mardie operation, providing a reliable platform for long-term output and operational certainty.