Fabrication & Installation of Ammonium Nitrate Silos
Lumwana Mine
- Client: Barrick Lumwana Mine, Zambia
- Contractor: Lynx Supply and Services Limited
- Scope: Design Review, Fabrication, Transport & On-Site Installation
- Category: Mining Infrastructure | Storage Silos | Heavy Fabrication
Project Background
Barrick Lumwana Mine required a compliant and durable storage solution for Ammonium Nitrate (AN), a critical explosive material used in mining operations. The goal was to upgrade and strengthen the material storage infrastructure to meet stringent safety and operational standards. Lynx Supply and Services Limited was engaged to execute the design review, fabrication, delivery, and installation of high-strength Ammonium Nitrate silos, leveraging our experience in heavy fabrication and mining infrastructure solutions.
Project Objectives
- Deliver durable, compliant AN storage silos
- Meet all safety and explosive-handling standards
- Ensure uninterrupted mining operations during the transition
- Provide a cost-effective, long-lifespan solution
End-to-End Project Execution
Scope of Work
The project scope included detailed engineering review, heavy fabrication, controlled logistics, and crane-assisted installation in line with mining and explosive-handling standards.
Engineering & Design Review
- Verification of client’s technical requirements
- Preparation and approval of detailed fabrication drawings
- Selection of structural steel and corrosion-resistant coating systems
- Compliance with mining and explosive material standards
Fabrication at Lynx Workshop
- CNC cutting, rolling, and forming of silo shells
- Precision welding conducted by certified welders
- NDT inspection of critical joints
- Surface preparation and protective coating
- Pre-assembly and fit-up inspection before dispatch
Logistics & Delivery
- Oversized cargo route planning and permits
- Heavy-duty support frames for safe transportation
- Coordinated dispatch to Lumwana Mine
On-Site Installation
- Crane-assisted erection and rigging
- Base alignment, anchoring, and structural securing
- Installation of platforms, ladders, and safety handrails
- Connection to client’s material handling systems
- Final inspection & commissioning
Challenges
- Transporting oversized components to a remote site
- High safety standards for AN storage
- Precision fabrication requirements
- Tight project timelines
Solutions
- Custom support frames & route surveys
- Strict adherence to explosive material regulations
- Full in-house QA/QC & NDT testing
- Streamlined parallel workflows in fabrication & logistics
Measured Outcomes and Lasting Impact
Results, Achievements and Project Significance
This project delivered measurable operational results while reinforcing Lynx Supply and Services Limited’s capability to execute complex, safety-critical mining infrastructure projects with precision, compliance, and reliability.
Results & Achievements
- Project delivered on time and within budget
- Zero safety incidents throughout the project cycle
- Enhanced AN storage capacity and operational safety
- Improved reliability and compliance for the mine
- Seamless collaboration with Barrick engineering teams
Project Significance
- Heavy industrial fabrication
- Explosive-material storage engineering
- Strict QA/QC compliance
- Delivering complex projects in demanding mining environments
Key Project Metrics
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Number of Silos | 4 Units + Structural Steel |
| Material | Structural Steel with Protective Coating |
| Deliverables | Fabrication, Delivery & Installation |
| Safety Compliance | Mining Safety & Ammonium Nitrate (AN) Handling Standards |