When operating deep below the surface, airflow is everything. Patrick Mechanical Ltd. was proud to deliver a critical solution for underground mine ventilation at Voisey’s Bay, Newfoundland, supporting both Fresh Air Access Platforms and Exhaust Raise infrastructure with over 100 tons of fabricated steel.
This project involved the complete design, engineering, fabrication, and supply of structural steel components, all shipped from our facilities in Sudbury to the remote coastal site. These platforms form a key part of the mine’s air management system, helping regulate temperature, remove contaminants, and maintain safe working conditions for personnel underground.
Project Scope
- Client: Confidential (Voisey’s Bay)
- Location: Newfoundland & Labrador
- Volume: 100 tons of structural steel
- Services Provided:
- Structural design and in-house engineering
- 3D modeling and detail drawings
- Custom fabrication and QA/QC
- Packaging and shipping logistics
Innovations
Every project offers a chance to evolve. Here are some key takeaways:
- Enhanced QA/QC Framework: To address the complexity of remote delivery and installation, PML developed a new internal Quality Assurance and Control standard tailored to the project’s logistical and regulatory requirements. This system is now being implemented across other large-scale jobs.
- Tagging System for Assembly Precision: A custom structural tagging system was developed to streamline the reassembly process onsite. Each component was clearly labeled to ensure intuitive installation and minimize delays during erection.
- Growing In-House Capabilities: Our team pushed the boundaries of what’s possible internally—handling the full cycle of engineering design, drafting, and coordination in-house. This improved turnaround times and reduced communication errors between design and shop floors.
Why This Matters
Ventilation infrastructure is not just steel and bolts—it’s a lifeline. In high-risk environments like Voisey’s Bay, where operations stretch deep into the Earth, engineered airflow systems protect lives and support operational efficiency. Patrick Mechanical’s ability to provide a fully integrated service offering—from drawing board to job site, ensures that clients get more than just fabrication. They get performance. Safety. Accountability.
Supporting Northern Mining, Coast to Coast
From Sudbury to Newfoundland, our reputation travels with every shipment. We’re proud to support Canada’s critical mining operations with dependable mechanical and structural solutions—built to perform, delivered on time, and engineered to last.
Interested in working with a fabrication partner who delivers?
Contact our team today or call us at (705) 692-3984 to discuss your next ventilation or infrastructure project.
