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What is a sustaining capital project and is this type of work right for you?

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If you’ve ever wondered about sustaining capital project work and the opportunities it could offer your career, then read on.

With the sheer volume of sustaining capital projects in Australia’s mining and resources sector, now might be the perfect time to explore this type of work - especially if you're looking to continually develop your skills and diversify your experience across different projects.

 

Sustaining Capital Projects vs Brownfield/Greenfield Projects

Sustaining Capital projects focus on maintaining existing mine production through plant improvements such as adding screen capacity to process finer ore . Think ongoing maintenance, equipment and systems upgrades as the work that is required to ensure the continued operational efficiency of the mine infrastructure for sustaining tonnage.

Brownfield and greenfield capital projects, on the other hand, are often considerably more extensive in scope and target either new or increased production rates. These projects typically have longer-term labour-hire contracts because of a project's extended timelines for execution and completion, compared to sustaining capital projects which are typically short-term.

 

Short-term contracts

Because of the nature of the work, sustaining capital projects often operate on shorter timeframes and suit technical professionals who enjoy working for a defined period and seeing outcomes quickly. A short-term contract makes it ideal for professionals looking for temporary or flexible work arrangements or those with Australian working rights looking for short-term work.

 

For engineers who enjoy variety

Sustaining capital projects offer constant variety as each project presents new environments and challenges, so there’s little chance of getting ‘project fatigue’. It’s ideal for engineers or technical professionals who get a sense of satisfaction in seeing the immediate impact that their work contributes to... and then happy to move onto the next challenge!

 

Build a strong network

Repeated short-term engagements provide opportunities to meet and work with a wide range of industry professionals. Building relationships across multiple companies, people and projects can enhance career prospects and build your reputation in the industry.

 

Work on exciting sustaining capital projects

Titan Recruitment is currently working with several mine operators and EPCMs looking for engineers across all disciplines for sustaining capital projects, including:

 

Rail Network | Western Australia

Working with a leading EPCM in sourcing for a rail network renewal program that spans the entire 1700km of a tier 1 miner’s railway inclusive of fixed assets and plain-track renewals and track-ballast cleaning. Another miner operator is upgrading its rail communications systems.

 

Mine continuation project | Queensland

Located at Peak Downs in Queensland's Bowen Basin, this coal mines sustaining capital program extends to tailings dams, conveyors and extensions on plant.

Mine Site Upgrades | Western Australia

We are also working with a tier 1 EPCM filling engineering and environmental jobs for a mine expansion project, camp expansion, acid rock drainage and an art monitoring project.

 

In a nutshell, sustaining capital project work offers a dynamic, flexible career path for professionals who enjoy variety, short-term and diverse project environments.

Like to know more? Get in touch with our team to help you determine if this type of project work is the right fit for you, or you can search current engineering and mining job opportunities.

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