Australia’s newest major natural gas pipeline project – built by the Australian Gas Infrastructure Group (AGIG) to deliver gas to fuel the power stations at Newmont Mining Corporation’s Tanami gold mine in the Northern Territory – has been commissioned ahead of schedule.
AGIG’s Chief Customer Officer, Mr Andrew Staniford, announced that the NT Government had granted the milestone final consent for AGIG to operate the pipeline and for Newmont to take gas for its Tanami mining operations.
“We have now commissioned the pipeline and gas is already flowing into Newmont’s Tanami mine site,” he said today.
Mr Staniford said the final go-ahead for the pipeline to move into full operational mode followed the introduction of gas and extensive commissioning and testing of the pipe and the facilities at the pressure under which the pipeline will operate.
“These tests were successfully undertaken by AGIG and independently verified, thereby enabling the final approval to be given,” he said.
AGIG was last year awarded the contract by Newmont to build, own and operate the new 440 kilometres Tanami Natural Gas Pipeline, transporting gas to the Newmont mine site, about 540km north-west of Alice Springs, in the Northern Territory.
“This was a demanding project for all concerned across testing conditions in a harsh environment in some of the most remote areas of Australia,” Mr Staniford said.
“To deliver the project safely and ahead of schedule for Newmont and its operating gold mine is a feather in the caps of all involved and has further cemented AGIG’s proud position as a leading provider and operator of key energy infrastructure throughout Australia.
“We look forward to AGIG’s continuing involvement in delivering such vital projects to the benefit of all Australians,” he said.
The new NT pipeline follows the alignment of Tanami Road and passes through a mix of pastoral land, Aboriginal freehold land and Crown land.
Mr Staniford said that AGIG – as a long-term operator of Australian gas transmission pipelines – had vast experience in managing the environmental factors as part of its commitment to sustainability of the environment.
“As part of this latest achievement – one of the most significant projects and investments undertaken by AGIG in Australia – we ensured that all landholders and local communities were well informed in the lead-up to and throughout the duration of the pipeline construction process,” he said.
“This included our close liaison in consultations with the related communities to help define the final route with particular consideration given to the existing infrastructure, utilities, pastoral, mining, environmental, Aboriginal heritage and sacred sites impacts.
“Importantly our work included investigation to determine how this project may have any impact on cultural heritage, and we also undertook research on flora and fauna, watercourse crossings, erosion, dust and waste management,” he said.
