Engineering Feats: Civiltest Rigs Up at Mardie's Salt Mine
Civiltest has once again demonstrated its unparalleled technical prowess, setting itself apart from the competition in a challenging project involving groundwater monitoring in the Mardie Salt & Potash mine. With Chevron and Santos pipelines running through the region, the installation of monitoring wells and sensors is a critical task.
In a remote location with unique technical demands, Civiltest's team of two, Senior Drillers Marcus Carrick and Ian Cameron, tackled a slew of challenges. The site is characterised by extreme tidal conditions, scorching temperatures, and the corrosive influence of salt.
“Saltwater presents a hostile environment for electrical components, making the installation of monitoring sensors a challenging task,” said Marcus. “However, the sensors are vital for safeguarding the pipelines running through the salt mine”.
Another more obvious feat is setting up a rig on salt flat within the tidal zone of Mardie. It requires specialised equipment and engineering to create a stable drilling platform on the soft ground, ensuring precise and safe drilling of well holes.
Despite these major obstacles, Marcus and Ian have braved these adversities to set up 70 monitoring wells and 31 relief wells that keep a constant watch on saltwater levels and conditions, ensuring the pipeline's integrity is maintained.
The project is not just technically demanding; it's also monumental in scale. “Massive earthworks are involved, and the logistics of the operation alone are incredible to watch as they unfold,” said Marcus.
The challenges of drilling in the Mardie’s remote environment and fluctuating tides makes this endeavour a testament to Civiltest's unwavering commitment to deliver.
“I love what I do, and I find the technical challenges interesting and rewarding,” said Marcus. “It’s a great opportunity to be involved in the project”.
Mardie Salt & Potash, situated on the West Pilbara coast, is integral to global salt production, further emphasising the importance of this project. Civiltest's contributions to the monitoring system ensure the salt and potash operations continue to thrive, with a focus on sustainable, eco-friendly energy sources.
