Complex scheduling to ensure maximum plant availability. Limited rack space requiring shutdowns for full rip-and-replace works. Poorly maintained or unlabelled existing racks and panels. Power outages restricted to 2–4 hours depending on site needs. Complete laboratory isolation required due to design and operational constraints.

1,680 resource hours delivered LTI-free.

CASE STUDY

APAC-W ITAMP PCN Refresh

Rio Tinto’s Pilbara sites operate both Corporate IT and Operational Technology (OT) networks, supporting everything from administration to mobile and fixed plant operations.

Client & Department	Rio Tinto – IS&T Solution Delivery
Location	Rio Tinto – Paraburdoo, Eastern Range & Channar Mine sites
Project Name	APAC-W ITAMP PCN Refresh
Value	0.5 Million
Date	October 2024
Project Duration	6 Months

This project was initiated to replace ageing Process Control Network (PCN) infrastructure, uplift site networks to enterprise standards, and align fixed plant systems with Rio Tinto and Cisco best practices.

Project key Deliverables

Main Objectives

Uplift and replace End-of-Life (EoL) and near-EoL Process Control Network infrastructure.
Standardise OT critical and non-critical infrastructure to enterprise-standard Cisco industrial-spec infrastructure.
Standardise OT fixed plant network architecture/infrastructure to align with Rio Tinto SS-PC104 and Cisco Industrial Best Practices, while accommodating existing brownfield operations with minimal impact.

Key electrical remediation deliverables:

Earthing upgrades to all communications racks, including new earth bars.
Remediation and relocation of redundant rack equipment.
Parallel and shutdown installations of new Cisco switchgear.
Structured Cat6 cabling installation.
RCD upgrades to existing power circuits.
Installation of new cable containment systems (steel conduit and cable ladder).
Redlining of existing equipment where no drawings existed.
Testing and commissioning.

Key Challenges

Complex scheduling to ensure maximum plant availability.
Limited rack space requiring shutdowns for full rip-and-replace works.
Poorly maintained or unlabelled existing racks and panels.
Power outages restricted to 2–4 hours depending on site needs.
Complete laboratory isolation required due to design and operational constraints.

The Weststate Advantage

Long-standing relationship with Rio Tinto IS&T, ensuring efficient project management and compliance.
Flexible resourcing to meet complex scheduling and operational requirements.
Turnkey solutions delivered across communications and power systems.

Other info

1,680 resource hours delivered LTI-free.