ATCOM Coal Project

This major upgrade project enabled Sedgman to showcase technology leadership and innovation in introducing large dense medium cyclones to the southern Africa market.

The upgrade was part of Xstrata’s ATCOM East Project. Sedgman undertook pre-feasibility planning, then engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) and commissioning of a 1,900 t/h coal handling and preparation plant (CHPP) and two 850 t/h processing plant modules. The upgrade increased CHPP capacity from 1,000 to 1,700 t/h, lifting annual production of saleable thermal coal to 3.1 Mt, with full integrated production achieved in 2011. Sedgman’s approach included identifying reputable South African suppliers and contractors to provide equipment and fabrication resources.

Sedgman was required to deliver this upgrade of the CHPP and CPP modules under a staged, tripartite contract with the client. Sedgman was involved in pre-feasibility planning since early 2008 and began work on detailed design in August 2009. In line with Sedgman’s emphasis on building long-term client relationships, this first major contract in South Africa gave us an opportunity to develop an international relationship with Xstrata. A second contract separable portion was agreed and extended the scope of services to include construction of the ATCOM upgrade.