Vale Canada Limited
Vale required an upgrade of the infrastructure at their Copper Cliff substation, essential for distributing power to various sites.
The substation was struggling to meet electrical demands due to its aging electrical and structural systems. With planned new projects, the projected load exceeded the substation’s current capacity. Therefore, it is necessary to replace the substation with a new, higher-capacity system to meet the increasing electrical demands.
SCOPE
BESTECH conducted a FEL 3 study, followed by detailed engineering, for the substation upgrade. This project involved technical and safety assessments, and it required significant infrastructure modifications. Geotechnical studies and surveys assured the new design’s structural viability.
The engineering team designed concrete foundations for large electrical structures and relocated several power lines. The demolition of the existing substation involved the careful removal of critical components to prepare for the installation of modern electrical systems, including protective devices, wiring, and relay programming. The project also involved preparing and managing tender documents for key equipment, including electrical houses, circuit breakers, switches, and transformers.
OUTCOME
Replacing the Copper Cliff Substation has improved Vale’s electrical distribution capabilities in the Sudbury area. With its enhanced capacity and robust infrastructure, the substation now supports both ongoing and future operational needs, aligning with Vale’s strategic objectives for sustainable and efficient mining operations. The project not only addressed immediate infrastructure requirements but also positioned the substation for future technological and operational advancements.