Compass Resources Browns Oxide Mine at Batchelor

26 Jun 2007

26 June 2007 - Media Release

Towering power poles of up to 32 metres are under construction to help bring power to the Compass Resources Browns Oxide Mine at Batchelor.

To complete the project the Power and Water Corporation has also extended its existing Darwin to Katherine 132 kV transmission system by 4 kilometres to a new zone substation at Batchelor.

Construction of the 132 kV transmission line extension has included "spun concrete" poles manufactured by Rocla in Queensland and supplied through local contractor Power Line Supplies. 

According to Power and Water’s General Manager Networks Bertram Birk this is the first time these types of poles have been used in the Territory for 132kV transmission line construction. 

“The project has required 17 of these pole types, ranging in size from 22 metres to 32 metres,’’ Mr Birk says.

“Manufacturers Rocla have used a special spinning technique with steel reinforcing and concrete mix and the poles have been transported to site in two sections. 

“On site the pole sections have to be bolted and glued together. They are then erected and heavy conductors strung over average span lengths of 300 metres.

“Great care has been taken to work with the local community in order to minimise the need to clear vegetation and minimise the environmental impact of the project".

Power and Water Corporation line construction crews have been on site since early May and plan to complete the project, which also aims to improve reliability of supply to the Batchelor township, by the end of July.

Construction of 2.5 kilometres of 22,000 volt underground cable through the township of Batchelor and construction of 5 kilometres of 22,000 volt distribution line to the Compass Resources mine site known as Browns Oxide are also critical components of the project.