Sound demolition benefits construction processes at mines

Specialised demolition contractor Jet Demolition is enabling mining operations, through its engineering services, to efficiently demolish old and outdated infrastructure for the purpose of upgrading or expanding current infrastructure, as well as establishing new infrastructure.

The company also assists mines with planning services for mine closure and site rehabilitation.

Jet Demolition places emphasis on maintaining best, and environment-friendly practices regarding demolition tasks for new construction and closure of redundant mines, including ensuring that waste is reduced and effectively removing hazardous materials and contaminants, says Jet Demolition projects manager Kate Bester.

“Typically, these projects could include waste and materials handling, cleaning of contaminants, large-scale demolition works and localised shaping of the area to accept new construction,” she says.

For example, Jet Demolition provides mining clients with demolition solutions needed prior to new infrastructure commissioning, such as services to manage various waste streams and contaminants.

The company also ensures a thorough and judicious method- selection process and efficient planning to ensure that there is no occurrence of cross-contamination of waste materials.

“This results in the least possible amount of waste generated, with non-hazardous and/or inert waste being available for recycling or re-use,” points out Bester.

She adds that it is imperative for mining operations to work closely with suppliers, solutions providers and stakeholders to use and maintain modern equipment that will contribute to the improvement of a mine’s environmental footprint.

Bester also highlights the importance of ensuring that mining companies stay abreast of existing and new laws that may hinder construction processes before, during or after demolition at a mining operation.

“Industry has a responsibility to ensure that all practices are as environmentally responsible as possible, and to find novel and innovative solutions to age-old problems,” she suggests.

To assist in practicing environmentally sound demolition at mining sites and using recycling solutions for the waste material, Jet Demolition offers an array of mining clients the ability to adopt “green” technologies and solutions during construction processes and closure planning, Bester concludes.