Vale Long Harbour, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada
Building one of the largest, most technologically-advanced nickel processing plants in the world
50,000 tons of nickel ore processed annually
Alberici constructed major portions of international mining giant Vale’s new processing plant in the remote Canadian province of Newfoundland & Labrador. Built on a partially-brownfield site on the Port of Long Harbour, this massive facility features innovative hydrometallurgical processes that refine and ship 50,000 tons of nickel ore per year in a more economical and environmentally friendly manner.
Delivering more than $1.5 billion in new construction
Under multiple contracts, Alberici joint ventures constructed nine specialized buildings within the plant’s 800,000-square-foot process area. These include neutralization, solvent extraction, nickel & cobalt electrowinning, copper electrowinning, pressure leach, and cadmium removal. Alberici also installed new support infrastructure, including raw and potable water treatment, external pipe racks, and a main substation.
Extensive steel fabrication and erection
An Alberici joint venture erected steel modules for the 263,000-square-foot nickel & cobalt electrowinning building and 182,000-square-foot neutralization building. This contract included self-perform erection of 14,500 tons of long-span structural steel, installation of roof and wall cladding, overhead cranes, and significant mechanical and electrical work.
Installation of major equipment and infrastructure
Under a separate contract, an Alberici joint venture assembled, installed, and commissioned all plant equipment. This contract included erection of 6,700 tons of structural and miscellaneous steel and installation of 8,600 instruments with 60 miles of electrical cable. Alberici also installed significant piping and mechanical systems and performed commissioning/start-up services in each new building.
Commitment to the region
In support of Vale’s commitment to the Long Harbor community and surrounding area, Alberici made local subcontractors and workers a priority on the project. Alberici teams employed a mostly-regional craft workforce that peaked at 3,200 and safely worked a total of 5.5 million hours during the life of the project.