Perth-based Polyline Pipe Systems has joined forces with Aboriginal-owned mining and services business Karlayura Group to use Polyline’s mobile pipe extrusion technology in WA’s Pilbara region.
Polyline’s patented, mobile and modularised system allows high-density polyethylene, or “HDPE” pipe to be extruded and produced on site.
The companies hope to build a commercially sustainable long-term relationship for pipe production in the Pilbara that delivers many benefits for locally based groups.
Karlayura is a fully Aboriginal-owned organisation providing services to the mining industry, various government and regional development departments, local communities and Tier 1 groups throughout the North West region.
Karlayura’s services include recruiting, training and providing a skilled workforce and specialised services to some of the biggest names in Australian mining and civil construction sectors including Fortescue Metals Group and Rio Tinto.
Polyline Pipe Systems Managing Director, Ian Dorrington said: “The Karlayura Group is an established and respected provider of people and services to the mining and construction sectors in the region and the opportunity to partner with them to establish a new HDPE pipe industry in the Pilbara has the potential to deliver major benefits for both parties.”
Karlayura Group Founder and Managing Director, Brian Tucker says the ability to use Polyline’s pipe extruding technology in various settings in the Pilbara will deliver significant community benefits, including jobs and training for the local work force.
Polyline’s technology enables the company to move, extrude and lay pipe at the same time, offering significant benefits over the regular supply chain that manufactures pipe in the city before transporting it to site.
The company is also investigating the potential to use its technology to recycle redundant HDPE pipe and produce fresh pipe on site.
Polyline says its process is cost-efficient and rapid compared with traditional HDPE pipe installation because it requires fewer welds and a smaller workforce to install.
The company says its technology can deliver a reduced carbon footprint for the pipeline installation process, particularly for remote projects where transport and handling costs can be significant.
Management says Polyline can produce more pipes on-site with a truckload of the resin material than a standard truck can deliver, depending on the size of the pipe.
Vegetation clearing can also be significantly reduced compared with the requirements of a line of heavy machinery in traditional delivery and installation.
This year Polyline provided a successful on-site pipe manufacturing service to uranium player Vimy Resources at its Mulga Creek uranium project east of Kalgoorlie.
The latest alliance has the potential to open more doors for Polyline Pipe Systems as it looks to establish itself as a major pipe player in WA’s North West whilst providing ongoing business and employment opportunities for the Karlayura Group and the local community.
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By Matt Birney
