Supporting a New Mining Operation in Western Australia

As a long-standing supplier of critical chemical reagents in Western Australia, IXOM has been supporting a new mining operation in a highly remote location as it transitioned from project start up through to steady-state operation.

Particularly in remote environments, mining operations rely on practical expertise on the ground, disciplined handling of dangerous goods, and logistics planning that balances safety, efficiency, and environmental responsibility.

A focus on operational continuity

When the operation commenced, the site was still developing the infrastructure to receive bulk chemical deliveries. To ensure continuity during this phase, IXOM worked closely with the customer to supply via intermediate bulk containers (IBCs), allowing the plant to operate without delay.

For over 18 months, IXOM’s Kalgoorlie team managed this interim supply model, coordinating regular collections with the customer. While effective, IBC-based supply is inherently more labour intensive for customers and creates additional handling and packaging disposal requirements.

As the plant progressed and permanent bulk handling facilities were completed, both parties aligned on the next stage: transitioning to bulk delivery using re usable ISOtainers.

A planned transition to bulk delivery

“Business as usual for us is always about looking for efficiencies without compromising safety,” says Barry Dixon, Site Manager – Kalgoorlie.

The move to ISOtainers supports:

• Reduced handling and waste compared to IBCs
• Improved onsite efficiency within the chemical circuit
• Reusable assets aligned with environmental objectives

IXOM has invested in additional ISOtainer assets to support this transition, reinforcing our long-term partnership approach with customers operating in remote locations.

Initial bulk deliveries have now commenced, with flexibility maintained to manage a mixed delivery model as site requirements continue to evolve.

Logistics in remote Western Australia

Supplying hazardous materials to remote mining operations brings its own complexity. Distances are significant, delivery windows are tightly managed, and compliance requirements are stringent.

Each delivery involves:

• Long distance transport over multiple days
• Fitness for work protocols and driver fatigue management
• Dangerous goods documentation and site access compliance
• Close coordination between iXOM, carriers and the customer

“Managing the logistics of a triple configuration, let alone the paperwork, takes deep knowledge and strong relationships,” says Tanya Dening, Portfolio Leader – Mining and Metals. “Our Kalgoorlie team did an incredible job working with the carrier and the customer to deliver this safely and efficiently.”

By leveraging IXOM’s established relationships, deliveries were consolidated into a highly efficient configuration. This reduced fuel usage per unit delivered and helped manage freight cost pressures without introducing additional risk.

Quiet capability, proven outcomes

This transition applies IXOM's existing expertise to help a customer move from early-stage operations to a more efficient, stable and environmentally responsible supply model.

IXOM’s capability in dangerous goods handling, bulk chemical logistics and remote supply chains has been built over decades. Much of that capability sits with teams like those in Kalgoorlie, working every day to ensure product arrives safely, reliably and without disruption.

“We don’t chase complexity for its own sake,” says Barry. “We work with customers to find the right balance between safety, efficiency and environmental responsibility.”

IXOM continues to support mining customers across the full lifecycle of their operations with people on the ground who understand the realities and challenges of remote supply.