Everest Metals Corporation’s Revere Gold project in Western Australia required a robust, plant-wide control solution to support efficient gold production across a large, remote site spanning 171 square kilometres in the Murchison region.
With strong gold prices driving urgency, Everest Metals needed a system that could be commissioned quickly while still delivering long-term operational value and scalability.
The remote location also meant that the operation would not have full-time electricians on site, increasing the need for remote fault-finding, real-time diagnostics, and more reliable plant performance without constant on-the-ground support.
Everest Metals implemented the Rockwell Automation PlantPAx® Distributed Control System (DCS), tailored specifically for the Revere Gold project and delivered by EQ Logic, a Rockwell Automation System Integrator partner.
EQ Logic designed and implemented the end-to-end solution, drawing on its experience in mining and marine automation to deliver a fast, integrated deployment.
Key components of the solution included:
- Rockwell PlantPAx DCS as the plant-wide control and information platform
- Integration with CompactLogix® processors, PowerFlex® drives, and POINT I/O™ modules
- Remote commissioning capability to support accelerated deployment timelines
- Strong technical support from Rockwell Automation during fast-track commissioning
- A scalable system architecture designed to support future expansion of the operation
The PlantPAx platform provided a unified environment for control and information, enabling consistent, real-time visibility across the site.
As Adrian Giecco, regional vice president, South Pacific, Rockwell Automation, explained, “PlantPAx provides a plant-wide, scalable, integrated control and information platform that helps producers make better, faster production decisions, improve efficiency, and reduce operational risk.”
“Gold mining operations like this one need to be flexible and adaptable to changes, while keeping downtime to a minimum because every second they’re not producing, they’re not earning.”
“Additionally, PlantPAx follows tried and tested methods that reduce human error. Safety features are programmed in and cannot be bypassed.”
The PlantPAx implementation is already delivering tangible benefits for Everest Metals’ Revere Gold project.
Improved visibility and faster decision-making: Real-time data and diagnostics are enabling operators to better understand plant performance and make quicker, more informed production decisions.
Reduced downtime and operational risk: Standardised control and integrated safety features help reduce human error, improve reliability, and minimise unplanned downtime.
Remote operations capability: Given the remote nature of the site, it has been critical to have the ability to:
- Commission systems remotely
- Perform diagnostics off-site in real time
- Troubleshoot without needing full-time on-site electricians
“The user-friendly and intuitive interface means that operators can quickly familiarise themselves with the system and begin to optimise operations. All commissioning was able to be done remotely, and ongoing diagnostics and fixes will also be able to be done this way. Given the remoteness of the site, this is a critical feature,” added Subbian.
Scalable platform for future growth: As the Revere Gold project advances toward a Mineral Resource Estimate and beyond, the PlantPAx system provides a flexible foundation that can scale with the operation without disruption.
“EQ Logic and Rockwell Automation worked tirelessly with us to meet ambitious commissioning deadlines and achieve outstanding results.”
“As the Revere Gold project progresses toward its initial Mineral Resource Estimate and beyond, the scalable PlantPAx platform ensures that the control system can grow alongside the operation without disruption.”
