Crushing and Screening in Remote WA: Delivering the Sorby Hills Project
Crushing and Screening for Mining Projects in the Kimberley
Crushing and screening play a critical role in the early stages of mining and infrastructure development. At the Sorby Hills Lead and Silver Mine development near Kununurra, MDM Mining & Civil was engaged to deliver large-scale crushing operations to support preliminary construction works.
Working for Boab Metals, the MDM Crushing & Screening team was tasked with producing 40,000 cubic metres of 75mm all-in material suitable for road base and construction footings. This material was required to support the early earthworks required before major mine construction could commence.
Delivering Crushing Operations in Remote Conditions
Located approximately 50 kilometres north-east of Kununurra, the Sorby Hills project presented a number of logistical and geological challenges.
Geology reports for the site identified mixed shale with clay bands leading into fine-grained dolomites, requiring specialised equipment capable of handling wet and sticky material.
To deliver the required production rate of approximately 400 tonnes per hour, MDM deployed:
Metso Scalper S2.11 screening plant
Metso LT106 Jaw Crusher
Cat 352 Excavator
Cat 982 Loader
D10 Dozer for ripping and pushing material
The scalper was configured with screen mesh capable of managing wet clay and undersized rock, ensuring consistent feed into the crushing circuit.
Mobilising Equipment to Site
Mobilising heavy equipment to remote mining projects is often one of the most complex stages of project delivery.
Using MDM’s Mack Truck with Drake Float and road train configuration, the team transported equipment over 6,000 kilometres, completing seven loads over eight days.
Site infrastructure including offices and crib facilities were also established during mobilisation.
From receiving the purchase order to the first crushed material being produced, only ten days had passed.
Working Through the Kimberley Wet Season
Shortly after operations commenced, a tropical monsoon system settled over the region, bringing heavy rainfall and challenging ground conditions.
Despite these conditions, the MDM team maintained steady production, demonstrating both the capability of the plant and the resilience of the crew.
Drone footage captured by the project team and supported by Daam Survey enabled accurate monitoring of stockpile volumes and production progress.
Delivering Reliable Crushing Services for Mining Projects
Projects like Sorby Hills demonstrate the capability required to deliver crushing and screening services in some of Australia’s most challenging environments.
As an Aboriginal-owned mining and civil contractor, MDM Mining & Civil continues to deliver reliable project outcomes for resource companies operating across remote Western Australia.
