Our Projects

A person wearing protective gear, including a welding helmet and gloves, is welding metal, with bright sparks and blue light illuminating the work area.

Xstrata Coal Colliery – Tahmoor Shaft No.3 Friction Winder Installation

Australian Winch & Haulage undertook a significant project for Xstrata Coal’s Tahmoor Colliery in New South Wales. The project involved the installation of a friction winder system and shaft upgrade for Shaft No.3, with a budget of $14.2 million.

The Challenge

Xstrata Coal required a friction winder system for Shaft No.3 at its Tahmoor Colliery in NSW. The project involved upgrading the shaft to increase efficiency and safety while ensuring compliance with mining regulations. Given the scale of the project and the depth of the shaft, a high-performance solution was essential to support long-term mining operations without disrupting production.

The Solution

Australian Winch & Haulage designed, supplied and installed a custom-built friction winder system with integrated safety features. The solution included structural reinforcements, precise load management technology and an upgraded braking system. AWH also provided full commissioning services, ensuring seamless integration into the mine’s existing infrastructure while adhering to strict safety and operational requirements.

The Outcome

The project was successfully completed within budget and on schedule, significantly improving hoisting efficiency and safety. The newly installed friction winder enabled Xstrata Coal to enhance production rates while reducing maintenance downtime. AWH’s expertise in engineering and project execution ensured long-term reliability, reinforcing our reputation as a leading provider of mining winching solutions.

A large green industrial machine is being lifted by chains in a factory setting while several workers stand nearby observing the process.

Grande Côte Operation – Design and Manufacturing of Dredging Winches

Australian Winch & Haulage was commissioned to design and manufacture six dredging winches, large deflection sheaves, tailing winches and spares for the Grande Côte Operation in Senegal. The combined budget for these projects was $8 million.

The Challenge

The Grande Côte mineral sands operation in Senegal required a fleet of heavy-duty dredging winches to support its offshore extraction process. The harsh environmental conditions, constant exposure to saltwater and high-capacity lifting demands meant that the equipment needed to be durable, corrosion-resistant and engineered for high-performance operations with minimal downtime.

The Solution

Australian Winch & Haulage designed and manufactured six specialised dredging winches, along with large deflection sheaves and tailing winches. Our engineering team developed corrosion-resistant materials and incorporated advanced drive systems for optimal efficiency. The winches were load-tested and configured for continuous operation in extreme conditions, ensuring seamless performance in the Grande Côte operation’s offshore dredging process.

The Outcome

The delivered winches exceeded performance expectations, withstanding the demanding offshore environment while maintaining operational efficiency. The robust design significantly reduced maintenance intervals, improving overall productivity for the Grande Côte operation. AWH’s tailored approach and engineering excellence reinforced our capability in delivering custom-designed winching solutions for marine and offshore industries.

A large yellow industrial hydraulic power unit with various controls, pipes, and components, enclosed in a metal frame, is positioned outdoors on a concrete surface near parked vehicles and a building.

Byrnecut Australia – Ernest Henry Mine Shaft Equipment Refurbishment

Australian Winch & Haulage completed a comprehensive refurbishment project for Byrnecut Australia at the Ernest Henry Mine in Queensland. The project, with a budget of $8.5 million, included refurbishing a 4-drum stage winder, an emergency egress winder and a large double drum kibble winder for the 1,000-meter deep shaft.

The Challenge

Byrnecut Australia required a comprehensive refurbishment of critical shaft equipment for the Ernest Henry Mine in Queensland. The project involved restoring a 4-drum stage winder, an emergency egress winder and a double drum kibble winder, all of which were essential for deep shaft mining operations. The challenge was to enhance reliability and ensure compliance with strict mining safety standards while minimising operational disruption.

The Solution

Australian Winch & Haulage conducted a full refurbishment of all three winders, replacing worn components, upgrading control systems and implementing enhanced safety mechanisms. Our engineering team performed precision machining, structural reinforcement and full load testing to ensure optimal performance. The refurbishment process was carefully managed to align with Byrnecut Australia’s operational schedules, minimising downtime.

The Outcome

The fully refurbished winders were delivered on time and restored to peak performance, significantly improving safety and efficiency in deep shaft operations. The project extended the lifespan of the equipment, reducing long-term maintenance costs while enhancing reliability. AWH’s expert refurbishment services demonstrated our ability to revitalise critical mining infrastructure to meet industry standards.