Mining design and drafting services built for Australian conditions.
From mine site structural drawings to equipment CAD documentation, our Australian team delivers mining design and drafting services to AS 1100 and AS 4024 standards. Trusted by mining and resources clients across Australia since 2010.
The mining design and engineering industry poses a completely different CAD / CAE challenge due to the massive scale of operation and the sizes involved. Due to the sheer size and weight constraints, the requirements on operational and construction safety are extremely stringent in mining design and drafting job. Also, the nature of the usage of the equipment under this category itself means that every challenge is unique and needs a fresh approach and innovative thinking to design and address the problems. ASTCAD has a proven track record in this challenging sector and has been involved in projects of national and global repute.
Australian Mining Design and Drafting Capabilities
- Design of large structures as per standards and codes
- Detailed development of structural design from concepts
- Design of joints/fabrication process
- Preparation of intermediate BOM for procurement
- Design of jigs/fixture and special working holding devices for large fabrication
- Assembly sequence animation
- General Arrangement (GA), fabrication, manufacturing drawings and BOM
- Weld joint Analysis and validation
Mining Design and Drafting Sample Projects
- Design and validation of Vacuum vessel
- Analysis of pressure vessel and nozzles
- Analysis of distillation plant for shock and other external loads
- Trolleys Design & Drafting
- Conveyors Design & Drafting
- Chutes Design & Drafting
- Take-up Boxes Design & Drafting
- Ploughs Design & Drafting
- Walkway Design & Drafting
- Machine Guards Design & Drafting
- Design analysis of Mobile Crusher
- Bulk Material Handling Systems Design
- Pipework and Fluid Flow systems
- Hoppers Design & Drafting
- Scrapers Design & Drafting
- Bins Design & Drafting
- Jib Frames Design & Drafting
- Tanks Design & Drafting
- Stackers Design & Drafting
- Reclaimers Design & Drafting
Advantages of australian design and drafting services
- Access to a large pool of highly-trained engineers
- Reduction in development costs
- Improved operating efficiency
- Boost in innovation
- High-speed development
- Reduced time to market
- Cost competitiveness
Advantages of Mining Design and Drafting Service
Mining design and drafting services play a crucial role in the mining industry by providing detailed plans, drawings, and documentation for various mining operations. These services offer several advantages to mining companies and professionals:
- Safety Compliance: Mining design and drafting services help ensure mining operations comply with safety regulations and industry standards. Accurate and detailed plans reduce the risk of accidents and ensure the safety of workers and the environment.
- Cost Efficiency: Properly designed mining plans can optimise the use of resources, reduce waste, and minimise operational costs. This can lead to significant cost savings over the life of a mining project.
- Improved Productivity: Well-designed mining plans can enhance the efficiency of mining operations. They provide clear guidance on extraction, equipment utilisation, and ore processing, leading to higher productivity.
- Environmental Protection: Mining design and drafting services consider environmental factors and help mining companies minimise their environmental impact. This includes proper waste disposal, water management, and habitat preservation.
- Permit Acquisition: Accurate and detailed mining plans are essential for obtaining the necessary permits and approvals from regulatory authorities. Design and drafting services can help streamline the permitting process.
- Optimal Resource Extraction: Mining design services can help maximise the recovery of valuable minerals or resources by optimising the layout and methods used in mining operations.
- Project Planning and Management: Detailed design and drafting documentation facilitate project planning and management. They provide a clear roadmap for project timelines, resource allocation, and progress tracking.
- Reduced Downtime: Properly designed mining plans can minimise downtime by anticipating and addressing potential issues in advance. This helps maintain a steady production flow.
- Equipment Selection: Design and drafting services can assist in selecting the right equipment and machinery for mining operations. This ensures that the equipment is suited to the project’s specific needs.
- Improved Communication: Clear and detailed design documentation enhances communication among project stakeholders, including mining engineers, geologists, and management. This reduces misunderstandings and promotes collaboration.
- Legal Protection: Having comprehensive design and drafting documentation can provide legal protection in case of disputes or liability issues related to mining operations.
- Long-Term Planning: Mining design services also consider the long-term sustainability of mining projects, helping companies plan for the future and ensure the continued profitability of their operations.
Mining Project Case Studies
ASTCAD has delivered structural analysis, value engineering, and CAD documentation for open-pit and underground mining operations across Australia.
Value Engineering for an Open-Pit Mining Operation
A leading Australian open-pit mining company engaged ASTCAD to review and optimise structural design of mining infrastructure components. Through systematic value engineering — including materials substitution, geometry simplification, and load-path rationalisation — ASTCAD achieved material cost reductions without compromising structural performance or safety ratings.
View case study →FEA Fracture Analysis of a Universal Joint in Mining Equipment
Following in-service failure of a universal joint in mining equipment, ASTCAD conducted FEA to locate and characterise the fracture initiation site. The analysis identified stress concentration factors driven by a design feature, leading to a redesign recommendation that eliminated recurrence.
View case study →Frequently asked questions
Common questions about our mining drafting services for Australian clients.
What mining drafting services do you provide?
We provide comprehensive mining drafting services including structural steel drawings for mine site infrastructure like conveyor structures, screening plants, and crushers, plus mining equipment component drawings and underground mine CAD designs. Our team also delivers FEA fracture analysis for failed components and value engineering of structural assets, all compliant with AS 1100, AS 4100, and AS 4024 standards to meet Australian regulatory requirements.
Do you support open-pit and underground mining operations?
Yes, we support both open-pit and underground mining operations across Australia. Our experienced team has delivered comprehensive CAD drafting for crushing and screening plants, dragline components, conveyor systems, ground support equipment, and underground mine machinery. We’re familiar with Australian mining standards and site-specific requirements for safe, compliant designs.
Can you perform FEA on failed mining equipment?
Yes, we regularly perform finite element analysis on failed mining components including universal joints, hammers, conveyor frames, and structural assemblies to identify root cause and recommend design changes. Our detailed FEA reports characterise failure modes, analyse stress concentrations, and include redesign drawings compliant with Australian standards. We work with your equipment data to prevent recurrence and optimise performance in harsh mining conditions.
What Australian mining standards do you follow?
We follow comprehensive Australian standards for mining design including AS 4024 for machinery guarding and access, AS 1418 series for cranes and lifting equipment, AS 4100 for structural steel, and AS 3990 for mechanical equipment. Our designs also comply with state-specific mine safety regulations such as Queensland’s Coal Mining Safety and Health Regulation 2017 and NSW’s Work Health and Safety (Mines and Petroleum Sites) Regulation 2014, ensuring your projects meet all regulatory requirements.
Can you do value engineering on existing mining structures?
Yes, we routinely review existing mining structural assets and recommend value engineering changes including material substitution, geometry simplification, and load-path optimisation that reduce material cost without compromising structural performance or safety ratings. Our experience across Australian mining operations shows typical savings of 8 to 22 percent on raw material costs. We work within Australian Standards and mining compliance frameworks to ensure all recommendations maintain regulatory approval.
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