Mount Holland Aerodrome

BMD Constructions was engaged by Covalent Lithium to develop an aerodrome at Covalent Lithium’s mine site in the Goldfields of Mount Holland.

Located 500 kilometres east of Perth, the aerodrome provides fast and direct access for personnel travelling to and from site. Through a charter airline service landing just a few kilometres from camp, personnel arrive onsite and can start work without experiencing a 6-hour bus trip to/from Perth.  

BMD Constructions was responsible for construction of the bulk and detailed earthworks, drainage, runway, taxiway and apron pavements, aerodrome lighting and communication facilities, visual aids, line markings, and fencing.

Scope

The Covalent Lithium aerodrome project involved:

• clearing and topsoil strip to 70 hectares
• bulk earthworks with 350,000m³ of embankment fill
• 70,000m² of gravel stabilised pavements
• 1,600 metre long and 30 metre wide sealed runway
• 140 metre long and 23 metre wide sealed taxiway
• sealed aircraft parking apron approximately 150 metres long and 135 metres wide
• 6 kilometres of fencing.

Outcomes

• Water access was limited, with BMD Constructions innovatively using a stabilising machine to control the water input into the pavement layers and ultimately achieving cement stabilising in one layer instead of two.
• BMD Constructions worked collaboratively with the geotechnical designer to enable the use of locally sourced materials without the need to import pavement materials.
• BMD engaged 5.7% of the project workforce from the local Aboriginal community and at 3.5% of the contract value was completed by Aboriginal owned businesses.
• Maintained close coordination and liaison with Shire of Yilgarn to coordinate construction deliveries when gravel roads were closed and reopened after rain events.
• Health and safety of the local environment and fauna was upheld through an Environmental Management Plan. Measures implemented included haul road maintenance, erosion and sediment control, dust management, and correct waste removal and recycle processes.
• A strong team culture was maintained throughout the duration of the project. Mental health awareness programs along with training and upskilling, including first aid, roller operations and bus class F driving licences, were all initiatives driven by management to achieve high productivity and engagement amongst work personnel.