Jun 4 2004
Multiplex Engineering Pty Ltd has been awarded the major earthworks contract for the Aldoga Smelter project in Gladstone.
Aldoga’s Managing Director, Mr John Benson, said the $50 million contract plus an associated $15million of expenditure signalled the next substantial stage in the construction of the $2 billion smelter.
“Aldoga is pleased to have Multiplex taking such an important role in the project,” he said.
“Their extensive industry experience and demonstrated ability in the development of large projects will bring great benefits to our internationally significant project.”
Multiplex Engineering Managing Director, Don Lewis, said Multiplex will have a construction management role, with much of the work being subcontracted to provide real opportunities for the local construction industry.
The regional construction industry will not be the only sector to benefit from this contract. Up to 200 jobs will be created during the bulk earthworks stage which will take about 9 months.
Site preparation works which were undertaken by Leighton Goldings Joint Venture began in May 2003 and were completed in April this year. The work completed was a credit to the Goldings and Leighton team and it was pleasing to see a local firm involved. Mr Benson said that the Joint Venture had worked very successfully over the twelve months and thanked both parties for their outstanding contribution to the development of the smelter.
He said he expected detailed civil construction including the foundations and building works to start in March/April 2005.
Once construction begins, there will be increased employment opportunities for people in the region, with over 1500 workers expected to be employed in this phase.
Aldoga’s investment in the construction of the smelter will include a commitment to integrating training and development opportunities across all aspects of the project.
This will result in increased opportunities for apprenticeships; education and training; indigenous business; and research and development, all of which will contribute to the local skills of the local workforce and the regional economy. The Aldoga Aluminium Smelter will produce aluminium for the export market. At full production it will generate an annual export value of $1.5 billion at current world aluminium prices and expand Australia’s current output capacity of aluminium by 30 per cent.
The project will be built in three sequential phases with the first potline, producing 210,000 tonnes per annum scheduled to be commissioned in the second half of 2006. Phases 2 and 3 will each add an additional 210,000 tonnes per annum to the smelter’s output.
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