Ravensthorpe Infrastructure Rebuild. Case Study

First Quantum Minerals Nickel Mine – Restored Dismantled IT Systems, Enabled

Mining Truck

Executive Summary

When First Quantum Minerals acquired the mothballed Ravensthorpe Nickel Mine in 2010, IT infrastructure was severely dismantled after the previous operator’s abrupt exit. This included all key hardware missing, networks segmented/non-functional, and no security controls. I built and led the multidisciplinary rebuild team, rapidly assembling engineers, vendors, and contractors to tackle the crisis. I directed the complete end-to-end recovery, restoring core systems, reconstructing segmented networks (GM, Process Control, Fleet, Mining), deploying firewalls and security controls, reinstating IP telephony, CCTV, WLAN, and fuel systems, and eliminating all single points of failure in the data centre.
This delivered a secure, resilient foundation that enabled the mine to resume full commercial production by 28 December 2011 meeting aggressive timelines in harsh remote conditions.

The Challenge

  • Infrastructure was partially dismantled, and key hardware was missing
  • Site networks (GM, Process Control, Fleet, Mining) were segmented and non-operational
  • There were no firewalls or network segmentation posing significant security risks
  • Essential services like IP telephony, CCTV, WLAN, and fuel systems were down
  • The data centre had no redundancy, failure points were everywhere and large amounts of infrastructure gone
  • Harsh remote conditions demanded robust and resilient solutions

The Solution

  • Network Reconstruction
  • Rebuilt segmented networks to isolate operational domains
  • Deployed enterprise-grade firewalls for boundary protection
  • Connected Ravensthorpe back to First Quantum’s global WAN
  • Critical Systems Restoration
  • Reinstated Cisco IP telephony across the site
  • Reconnected CCTV, radio comms, wireless access, and fuel systems
  • Data Centre & Redundancy
  • Rebuilt server infrastructure to include fail-over and recovery paths
  • Eliminated all single points of failure
  • Security Hardening
  • Installed and configured access control systems
  • Integrated monitoring solutions to detect and respond to threats
  • Team Coordination
  • Led a cross-functional team of engineers, vendors, and contractors
  • Oversaw delivery under compressed timelines and operational pressure

Results at a Glance

  • Operations resumed by 28 December 2011
  • Delivered a secured, fully redundant infrastructure environment
  • Enabled operational resilience across all essential systems
  • Improved site safety through restored surveillance and communications
  • Met business goals and strategic outcomes with technology stability

My Role & Insights

My Role:

I was accountable for leading the complete rebuild. I assessed the damaged landscape, led a multidisciplinary team, and coordinated the work of external vendors to restore operations. I made critical architectural decisions with my team, handled tight delivery windows, and took a hands-on role in some cases, configuring switches, deploying systems, and verifying every element of the rebuild. The infrastructure we delivered not only met the operational deadline but laid the groundwork for ongoing stability and support.

  • Adapting to missing or dismantled infrastructure requires agile thinking
  •  Resilience is non-negotiable in remote, high-risk environments
  •  Success depended on collaborative teamwork and clear communication
  •  Security-first architecture proved essential for long-term operational stability

© 2025 itservicemgmt.com. All rights reserved. Case studies and content are proprietary and confidential. Reproduction or distribution without written permission is prohibited