Slide Background
Slide Background

A LOCAL PARTNERSHIP: RIO TINTO ALCAN AND GHD DELIVER ENVIRONMENTAL AND ENGINEERING SERVICES AT RTA’S YARWUN REFINERY

Lee J, Madden N

Rio Tinto Alcan’s Yarwun Alumina Refinery (RTAY) has been operating since 2004, however, their partnership with GHD Pty Ltd (GHD), a professional services firm, was developed before the refinery was built. GHD was involved during siting and design of the Residue Management Area (RMA), including an extensive geotechnical mapping program and installation of a groundwater monitoring network. GHD is now involved on an ongoing basis with the provision of engineering support for the RMA and provide a range of environmental services to support the RTAY HSEC Team, including noise monitoring, groundwater monitoring and investigation of environmental incidents.

While, in essence, RTAY is a client and GHD is a consultant, the relationship that has been developed since GHD’s involvement began in 2002, is one that goes beyond the provision of and payment for professional services. RTAY views GHD as a part of their team and inform GHD of the driving factors behind each project. In turn, GHD is aware that its long association with the site means that its staff have a valuable and detailed background knowledge that is of assistance to RTAY.

Also of value is that, while many of GHDs specialist skills such as geotechnical engineering are provided by Brisbane-based staff, RTAY value the permanent presence of a local GHD office and senior staff who can respond at short notice. This is of particular value when environmental issues need immediate investigation and advice.

GHD and RTAY are committed to open communication so that all parties are aware of issues that arise during routine monitoring work. This is vital, because while GHD undertakes the work, it is RTAY’s management team who must report on and respond to issues, including informing regulators and upper management as required. Each party also brings a unique point of view to discussion of issues and opportunities for improvements.

This paper presents case studies that highlight the value of this partnership.