​Ravensthorpe Technology Infrastructure Rebuild
Executive Summary
When First Quantum Minerals acquired the Ravensthorpe Nickel Mine in 2010, the site’s IT infrastructure was in disarray due to the hasty exit of the previous operator. Tasked with assessing and restoring the IT environment, our team implemented a comprehensive rebuild. By reconstructing network segments, restoring critical systems, and ensuring redundancy, we delivered an IT infrastructure that enabled the mine to achieve commercial production by December 2011
Background
The Ravensthorpe Nickel Mine, originally constructed by BHP Billiton at a cost of billions, ceased operations within a year of commissioning due to operational challenges. The abrupt closure in January 2009 left the site’s IT infrastructure dismantled and inoperable. First Quantum Minerals acquired the mine in February 2010 with a vision to restore operations and address the reputational damage associated with the site. Rebuilding the IT infrastructure was a critical component of this endeavour.
The Challenge
The restoration of Ravensthorpe’s IT environment faced several significant challenges
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The site’s IT infrastructure had been partially dismantled, with critical equipment removed or inoperable.
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Segmented networks, including General Management, Process Control, Operations Fleet Management, and Mining Management, required reconstruction.
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Security vulnerabilities were prevalent due to the lack of firewalls and segmentation.
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Critical systems, such as Cisco IP telephony, CCTV, access control, and telecommunications, were non-functional.
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The server data centre lacked redundancy, with numerous single points of failure that posed operational risks.
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The harsh remote environment further complicated restoration efforts, demanding robust solutions to withstand operational conditions.
Solution
The project focused on delivering a fully operational and secure IT environment through
Network Reconstruction
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Rebuilt network segments for General Management, Process Control, Operations Fleet Management, and Mining Management.
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Segmented networks with robust firewalls to enhance security and ensure operational independence.
Restoration of Critical Systems
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Restored the Cisco IP telephony system for reliable site communication.
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Implemented CCTV and WLAN access control systems to enhance safety and security.
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Re-established telecommunications, two-way radio systems, and fuel bowser integration.
Data Centre and Redundancy
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Rebuilt the server data centre with redundancy measures to eliminate single points of failure.
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Deployed fail-over systems to ensure operational continuity.
Comprehensive Security Measures
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Secured all network segments with advanced firewall infrastructure.
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Implemented access control mechanisms to safeguard sensitive areas and systems.
Team Coordination
Assembled and managed a multidisciplinary team to address the wide-ranging requirements of the project.
Engaged vendors and contractors to deliver specialised solutions within tight timelines.
Results
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Achieved commercial production on December 28, 2011, meeting the project’s critical timeline.
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Delivered a robust, secure IT infrastructure that enabled efficient mining operations.
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Eliminated single points of failure, ensuring operational resilience.
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Enhanced site safety through CCTV, access control, and reliable communication systems.
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Provided tangible value to the operation, supporting First Quantum’s goals for operational excellence.
Insights and Lessons Learned
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Overcoming challenges associated with missing and damaged equipment required innovative problem-solving and flexible planning, we had to be adaptable
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Designing IT systems to withstand harsh conditions and ensure operational continuity was crucial for success. Resilience was important
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Assembling a skilled and coordinated team was pivotal to managing the complexities of the project and Team Collaboration was essential
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Implementing robust security measures early in the rebuild mitigated risks and safeguarded operations.
This case study exemplifies the critical role of IT infrastructure in operational success, highlighting how targeted, resilient solutions can transform even the most challenging environments into thriving operational hubs.
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My Role
As the IT Manager, I played a pivotal role in orchestrating the successful restoration of Ravensthorpe’s IT infrastructure. I was accountable for assembling and leading a highly skilled team to address the project’s technical and operational challenges. My responsibilities included overseeing the comprehensive assessment of the dismantled systems, coordinating with vendors and contractors to implement robust rebuild solutions, and ensuring the timely and effective delivery of all project objectives. By managing the team’s efforts and maintaining a sharp focus on the end goals, I ensured that the rebuilt IT environment not only met but exceeded the operational requirements, enabling the site to achieve its production targets and long-term resilience.