In 2020, during the height of a global pandemic, Patrick Mechanical Ltd. successfully completed the installation of an advanced refrigeration and air-cooling system at Vale’s Coleman Mine, located at the McCreedy East Fresh Air Raise in Levack, Ontario. Our team of experts dedicated over 32,000 personnel hours to the project, delivering comprehensive civil, structural, mechanical, and electrical installations. This groundbreaking system, installed in collaboration with BBE Consulting Canada, marked the first of its kind in Canada.
Challenges
- Tight Project Deadlines: Despite an aggressive timeline, our team met all critical milestones on schedule.
- Global Pandemic: The project faced unprecedented challenges due to the COVID-19 pandemic, including disruptions in supply chains and labor availability.
- Evolving Guidelines: Changes in provincial and federal guidelines significantly impacted logistics, especially for international resources. However, our team adapted swiftly to ensure smooth project execution.
Result & Impact
- Seamless Coordination Across Continents: Engineering teams were based out of BBE Consulting South Africa and BBE Consulting Canada, while critical components were sourced from Italy, Canada, China, South Africa, and the U.S.A. Despite these geographical separations, all parties worked together efficiently to meet project deadlines.
- Local Fabrication Expertise: All piping was fabricated at Patrick Mechanical’s shop in Lively, Ontario, with structural steel also sourced and fabricated within Northern Ontario. This localized production helped maintain quality control and kept the project on track, despite global disruptions.
Project Excellence in Refrigeration & Air-Cooling Systems Installation
This achievement not only highlights Patrick Mechanical Ltd.’s expertise in mechanical and industrial construction, but also shows our commitment to collaboration, problem-solving, and safe project delivery. Even in the face of a global crisis, we adapted quickly and stayed focused—proving we can deliver critical infrastructure for the mining industry under the most challenging conditions.
More than just an installation, this project set a new standard for mine cooling systems in Canada. The advanced refrigeration and air-cooling system now plays a key role in improving air quality, regulating underground temperatures, and supporting worker safety at Vale’s Coleman Mine. It’s a long-term investment in both performance and sustainability.
The success of this project reinforces our reputation as a reliable, high-performance contractor in Northern Ontario’s industrial sector. From in-house engineering and fabrication to precision installation and commissioning, Patrick Mechanical Ltd. delivers trusted results—on time, on budget, and with the expertise our clients depend on.
