Wilpinjong Mine Expansion

The Wilpinjong expansion required balancing increased mineable area with the need to maintain safe, reliable public access to local and state road networks. Realignment of public roads, a new bridge over Wollar Creek, and a heavy vehicle access bridge demanded careful consideration of geometry, flood immunity and traffic safety to avoid community disruption.

A key complexity was the intersection of a proposed road upgrade with the existing ARTC railway line, requiring early engagement to confirm design standards, approval pathways and interface risk controls without compromising rail operations.

The broader scope included FEED and detailed design coordination, rail relocation planning, simulation modelling to validate expansion assumptions, stockpile sizing and train scheduling, alongside development of capital estimates and execution schedules. All works needed to align technical delivery with Peabody’s commercial objectives.

We provided structured project management across engineering, planning and simulation streams, ensuring alignment between technical development, cost and schedule drivers.

Alternative road and bridge alignments were assessed against safety, constructability, flood performance and mineable area outcomes. Early and ongoing engagement with ARTC confirmed rail interface requirements and approval processes, reducing downstream risk.

Simulation modelling tested plant capacity, stockpile strategies, train scheduling and delay scenarios, enabling informed infrastructure decisions. Regular consultation with Mid-Western Regional Council, Essential Energy, Telstra and ARTC ensured regulatory and utility constraints were embedded early in the design process.

Capital estimates and execution schedules were developed in parallel, providing clarity on delivery pathways and investment timing.

The expansion pathway was de-risked through integrated technical coordination and proactive stakeholder engagement.

Peabody gained validated infrastructure concepts that protected community access while safeguarding future mineable area. Rail interface risks were identified and managed early, reducing approval uncertainty. Simulation outputs strengthened confidence in plant capacity, stockpile sizing and train logistics assumptions.

By aligning engineering, modelling and commercial drivers, we delivered practical, investment-ready outcomes that supported the viability and long-term profitability of the Wilpinjong Mine Expansion.