Onslow iron ore project (MRL)

The Onslow iron ore project is the largest iron ore project currently being developed and is located in the West Pilbara region. This will unlock billions of tonnes of stranded iron ore deposits. We had been communicating with Mineral Resources Limited (MRL) for some time to look at ongoing mine site service works where they have multiple compressors. We also have been looking at any projects that they were working on. While we were gathering information on key people with the company, our names were being circulated to people within different departments so now they are becoming aware of our capability as a compressor supplier.

Sometime in early 2022, we got an enquiry on a preliminary requirement for a compressor system for the Onslow port facility. There were two sections to this requirement in which one section was for a 100 HP and another scope was for a 20 HP compressor. Being a major mining company we needed to be mindful of their specification as in this requirement the following were some unique differences. They wanted marine paint, the compressor was to be kept outdoors so a rain protection hood and special covers for the controller were required and all electrical components were to be certified to AS 3000 electrical standards. It was going to be to some degree a custom-built compressor.

There were not many compressor companies who were willing to work on such a scope. Our goal was to work with SCR at the factory to build the compressor to meet this requirement. We worked with SCR at the factory so we could get the costing in place and then worked on a comprehensive proposal to submit to them. We also had to ensure we got the paint spec for the receiver tank as per MRL requirement. We worked on the proposal while maintaining a competitive edge, ensuring that it was as comprehensive as possible.

The key distinct difference with us was; the ability to clarify most concerns within a timely manner, although it is custom built, we work on a modular design so ensuring the cost was minimised hence being at a competitive position, providing a 24-month warranty is above the norm comparatively, willingness to embrace their system so we can upload most documents on their teambinder system, delivery lead time within their project schedule.

It didn’t take them long for them to decide as they had a project timeframe to complete this project. They saw in us as a growing but progressive company with a team that could meet their needs. We had the ability to expand and outsource any expertise advice to meet a major and large mining company and reengineer the compressor system to suit the client requirement which put us at a cutting edge as a company that can innovate and improvise in design solutions.

We have established a good reputation with Mineral Resources and we are first in mind for their compressor needs. Westair is well known with most key people within the organisation .