Sheffield engineering firm safeguards 40 jobs with new Canadian mining contract

DavyMarkham, the Sheffield-based heavy engineering specialist, has won a multi-million-pound contract as part of a four-year mine expansion project in Canada.

The company is set to supply two mine hoists for an operation to extract nickel ore.

DavyMarkham’s engineers will design and manufacture the equipment at the firm’s headquarters in Prince of Wales Road, Darnall, Sheffield.

Once this is complete, the equipment will be installed by the firm’s site engineers and technicians at the Copper Cliff Mine in Ontario in the second quarter of 2018.

The Canadian mine hoist deal, which has secured 40 existing jobs, consolidates DavyMarkham’s relationship with global mining company Vale.

DavyMarkham is the world’s largest vertically integrated mine hoist supplier and has supplied mine hoists and installation support for Vale on previous projects

This new contract is part of the first phase of a project over four years to reactivate and expand the mine under the town of Copper Cliff.

Work covers the south shaft, hoists and headframe and also involves underground development to access new mining fronts approximately 5,200 feet below the surface.

Gordon Scott, mining business manager, said: “We are delighted to have been chosen as supplier once again for this prestigious customer.

“The production and service hoists are key for the operation of the expansion project and we are happy to be a part of what will be a significant strategic move for our customer in the expansion of Copper Cliff Mine.”

Bill Clark, DavyMarkham chief executive officer, added: “The importance of manufacturing in the UK, and particularly in Sheffield, is bolstered by DavyMarkham’s ability to provide mine hoist solutions that meet the needs of customers such as Vale.

“We are pleased to have been awarded this contract and this reinforces the need for DavyMarkham to continue the development of our technology to ensure that we meet the future demands of customers.

“Commitment to research and development and understanding our customer needs ensures that we will be here supporting mining companies like Vale well into the future as they continue to sustain and expand their operations.”