29 Metals

Check and verify integrity of the earthing system for all major sub-stations, switching yard and switching poles on the site including Golden Grove Camp. Full scope of testing was performed around the key areas involving off- frequency current injection to determine Touch and Step voltages, Earth Grid Voltage Rise and Earth Grid Impedance, DC Earth Continuity and software assisted Soil Resistivity Modelling.

All the key areas were identified with the help of drawings and satellite map. A well-organized plan was made to cover all locations within the allocated time frame. The prime objective was to consider a common off-frequency current injection point for assets that were in close-proximity to each other. Also, the injection location was decided in such a way that the current return path does not fall in-line or in the vicinity of power line corridors or major electrical installations.

Site-Wide Full Scope Earth Testing

* Location 29 Metals – Golden Grove, Yalgoo
* Commencement 18 July 2022
* Completion 08 August 2022
* Type of Contract Lump Sum
* Contract Value $ 98,422.28

One of the biggest challenges was manoeuvring through off-road tracks in wet condition to locate substations and power poles in an area spanning more than 20km2. Snakes and other reptiles were spotted on multiple instances while strolling through the bush to find a spot for inserting current injection rods.

Weather conditions were unfavourable during a third of the time when we were on-site. This slowed down the pace of work on multiple instances. Since most of the work was executed outdoors, care had to be exercised not to get the equipment waterlogged and getting the vehicle bogged.