The Maxwell Underground Project was carried out for Malabar Resources for development of a new underground coal mine in Muswellbrook.
The project consisted of the construction of a temporary accessway, mine entry areas (MEA) and the permanent access road and conveyor trace.
The MEA consisted of excavation and batter stabilisation of two underground portal entries. Challenges due to wet weather events, ground conditions, and material properties encountered during the excavation of the two portal entry box cuts meant collaborative problem solving was needed to progress safe and stabilised excavation works. Additionally, Robson reallocated resources from other non-critical path activities to adopt a 24/7 work front, to meet target dates.
In October 2024, the project received an award in the Australian Mining Prospect Awards for the category of Mine Project of the Year.
The scope of works consisted of:
- • Bulk earthworks;
• Roadworks;
• Surface water management structures;
• Portal entry stabilisation works;
• Concrete works;
• Main access road from Maxwell Infrastructure (existing coal handling and prep plant facilities) to Maxwell Underground Mine Entry Area;
• Construction of conveyor trace, allowing for later installation of a 9km covered overland conveyor; and
• Water Management structures.
