The structure comprised twelve main boxed gantries, each measuring 2.5m deep, 2m wide, and 54m long. These gantries were welded to base plates on concrete plinths at the bottom and bolted to a 7m diameter center ring at the top. This structure covered the mine’s main ROM stockpile, which has a capacity of 13,000 tonnes. All work was carried out around the already-installed stockpile feed conveyor, which continued to operate during night shifts throughout the installation period, ensuring safety measures were of paramount importance.
Viva Engineering was responsible for the shop detailing, fabrication, trial assembly, and transport to the site.
The state-of-the-art FICEP SP16T6 CNC Anglematic was utilized in the manufacturing of the dome, enabling the CNC department to complete material preparation three weeks ahead of schedule.
The trial assembly of two main gantries with the lattice infill steelwork between them was completed in two weeks, without requiring any modifications.
A fleet of 31 vehicles, including abnormal load vehicles, delivered the structures to the site within nine days of dispatch.
On-site installation was executed by Hogarths’ experienced and skilled team. Key features of the installation included complex tandem lifts while a third 90t crane held the center ring in place. The installation was completed without the mine losing a single day of production.
Viva Engineering and Hogarths – providing turnkey supply and installation solutions for projects across Zimbabwe.
