Maintaining operational integrity in remote mining environments is no easy feat. At St Barbara’s Simberi Gold Mine, located on the volcanic island of Simberi in Papua New Guinea, extreme humidity, corrosive coastal conditions, and limited infrastructure posed significant challenges for surface maintenance.
To continue operating safely and sustainably, the mine needed a solution that could combat corrosion, minimize environmental impact, and streamline maintenance workflows. Their choice? The RapidBlast™ SD140 Wet Abrasive Blasting System from Quantum Blast Technologies.
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About Simberi Gold Mine: Isolated, Active & Environmentally Aware
Simberi Gold Mine is a key operational site for St Barbara, using an open-cut mining method on the northernmost island of the Tabar group. The rugged terrain and intense tropical climate cause rapid deterioration of critical infrastructure — including tanks, pipelines, and steel frameworks.
With plans to extend the mine’s life through a new sulphide project, the team recognized the urgent need for a modern, efficient surface preparation solution that aligned with their commitment to sustainability and safety.
The Challenge: Harsh Conditions and Outdated Methods
Traditional dry sandblasting techniques previously used on-site were:
- Dust-heavy, creating safety and environmental compliance risks
- Inefficient, requiring shutdowns and slowing progress
- Poorly suited for the remote, high-humidity conditions
The mine needed a reliable wet blasting system that could deliver consistent performance and enable high-quality surface preparation without adding logistical complexity or environmental strain.
The Solution: RapidBlast™ SD140 on a Custom Skid Platform
To meet these challenges, Quantum Blast supplied a fully customized RapidBlast™ SD140 unit, mounted on a hot-dip galvanized skid designed specifically for Simberi’s rugged environment.
Key System Features:
- 8mm Stainless Steel Construction – Built to endure tropical corrosion and remote handling
- Compliant to AS1210, CE, and ATEX Standards – Safe for explosive or sensitive environments
- Powder-Coated Pressure Vessel (155L) – Ergonomically designed for operator ease
- Self-Sustaining Skid Unit – Holds over 3 tonnes including garnet, a 1000L water tank, hose reel, and filtration system
- High-Performance Accessories – GRACO King 60:1 sprayer and epoxy coatings for long-lasting results
Implementation: Fast Integration, Maximum Impact
Thanks to its intuitive design and mobility, the RapidBlast™ system was integrated seamlessly into existing operations. The Quantum Blast team provided operator training, ensuring the equipment was used to its full potential.
Additionally, the setup included a three-stage water filtration system and Elcometer digital inspection kit to maintain environmental safety and coating quality standards.
Results & Benefits: Clean, Safe, and Sustainable Blasting
The implementation of RapidBlast™ SD140 delivered measurable improvements across multiple performance indicators:
Reduced Dust and Contamination
The wet blasting process captured up to 95% of dust particles, drastically improving air quality and visibility while reducing environmental risk.
Improved Surface Quality
Surfaces were consistently cleaned to SA2.5 standards, ensuring stronger adhesion for protective coatings and reducing long-term maintenance costs.
Safer, Ergonomic Operation
The equipment’s user-centric design minimized fatigue, while robust safety features enabled compliance with both local and international standards.
Boosted Efficiency
Blasting and coating workflows ran in parallel, decreasing downtime and increasing productivity in a location where time and resources are limited.
“The RapidBlast™ solution has not only solved immediate maintenance issues but also raised our operational standards in terms of sustainability and safety.”
— Simberi Operations Team
Conclusion: A New Standard for Surface Prep in Mining
The RapidBlast™ SD140 system proved to be a game-changer for Simberi Gold Mine. In a region where corrosion, compliance, and access all pose serious challenges, this tailored blasting solution delivered efficiency, safety, and sustainability — setting a new benchmark for surface maintenance in the mining industry.
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