The Wallaby underground mine, located south of Laverton in Western Australia, is the primary source of ore for the Granny Smith processing plant, operated by Gold Fields Australia. In 2024, Gold Fields undertook a major upgrade of the pit pumping infrastructure at the Wallaby mine to improve the underground de-watering system’s reliability and efficiency. This upgrade was critical to supporting continuous water management and maintaining safe, productive mining operations in a demanding environment.
The Challenge
The challenge in this upgrade was securing the 1kV switchgear and other motor control equipment that can withstand the harsh underground conditions typical of mining sites in Western Australia. Heat, dust, and corrosive elements often cause standard electrical components to fail prematurely. In addition, all electrical infrastructure had to comply with Australian standards such as AS/NZS 61439 and AS/NZS 3000, as well as mining-specific regulations set by the Western Australian Department of Mines, Industry Regulation and Safety, which impose strict requirements for electrical safety and durability in underground and surface mining operations. The mine’s remote location further complicated maintenance logistics, making it essential to select equipment designed to minimise downtime and withstand harsh conditions over long periods.
Our Solution
Practon Electrical Services partnered with IPD — the Australian distributor for AuCom soft starters — to deliver a purpose-built motor control solution tailored for the underground de-watering upgrade at the Wallaby mine.
- AuCom 250kW 1000V EMX4i Soft Starters were selected to provide smooth, efficient starting and stopping of the de-watering pumps, reducing mechanical and electrical stress on critical equipment. With an ABB external bypass contactor, energy efficiency is improved and heat build-up is minimised — essential for reliable operation in the mine’s high-temperature environment. The EMX4i is engineered for reliability and built tough to withstand the dust, corrosion, and demanding conditions typical of mining sites, all while fully complying with Australian electrical and mining standards.
- IPD & Elsteel EXT56 Modular Switchboard System was chosen for its robust construction and flexible design, offering secure protection for the pump starters and simplifying installation and future system modifications. Compliance with AS/NZS 61439 provided confidence in the switchboard’s long-term safety and operational integrity.
Throughout the project, IPD provided expert technical support, ensuring smooth delivery from tendering through to installation and commissioning.
“IPD, along with their trusted brands, made procurement a very easy process by providing full support from the tendering stage through to installation and final running, with all technical enquiries supported straight away.”
— Adam Dardha, Business Development Manager, Practon Group Pty Ltd
The Outcome
With IPD’s proven product range and dedicated project support, Practon Electrical Services successfully delivered a high-performance de-watering control system that met both the technical requirements and challenging environmental demands of the Wallaby mine site. The tailored solution delivered clear benefits:
- High system reliability — The combination of AuCom EMX4i soft starters and the IPD & Elsteel EXT56 switchboard system continues to perform reliably in the demanding conditions of the Western Australia’s Goldfields, ensuring consistent pump operation and minimising the risk of unplanned downtime.
- Simplified procurement — IPD’s trusted brands and strong local presence streamlined the sourcing process, giving the project team confidence in the quality, compliance, and availability of equipment.
- Responsive technical guidance — From the early design stages through to installation and commissioning, IPD’s technical team provided prompt, knowledgeable support that helped the project stay on track and deliver to specification.
- Assured compliance — All equipment was selected and configured to meet the relevant Australian Standards (including AS/NZS 61439 and AS/NZS 3000) and the stringent safety and durability requirements of the Western Australian mining regulations.
The solution was compliant, reliable, and efficient, and it exemplifies the benefits of partnering with IPD on critical mining projects.
Need a tailored soft start solution? Contact the IPD team today or view the full range on our website.