Global engineering firm, DRA was recently awarded the contract for the development of a port facility and associated infrastructure for the export of bauxite, by Alufer Mining in Guinea. PRDW has been selected as the marine and causeway designers for the project. The Alufer Bel Air Mine project is DRA’s first causeway development, which expands the Group’s exposure within the marine environment. This is synonymous with DRA’s acquisition of RLH Consulting Engineers in 2016.

Project Manager, Jan Vermaak at DRA says DRA’s experience in executing work under challenging circumstances in West Africa proved to be a key differentiator for the client. “DRA successfully completed the design and construction of the New Liberty minerals processing plant for Aureus Mining in Liberia – the country’s first commercial gold mine. Challenges on that project included high rainfall levels, low local workforce skills, shortage of local material supplies and outbreak of Ebola virus disease.” he says.

The engineering firm invested in the local community of Grand Cape Mount County through various training initiatives, the success of which was owed largely to the locals themselves, their aptitude for learning and willingness to work. In this way DRA made a significant contribution to the development of the local workforce and despite challenges, the project was completed within the budget and first gold was poured on schedule.

This previous experience in Project execution in West Africa and DRA’s extensive material handling, earthworks and infrastructure design capabilities will largely contribute to the client’s success of the Alufer Bel Air Mine project. Work on the project commenced in January this year, with the first ore on barge anticipated for August 2018. “At this time we have completed our first blast for dolomite rock used to construct the causeway, with Causeway set out and first rock placement anticipated early June,” Vermaak says.