Corrosion is one of the most persistent threats to infrastructure on mine sites, particularly in Western Australia where extreme environmental conditions and aggressive chemical exposure accelerate deterioration. From structural steel and concrete to asphalt surfaces, assets can degrade prematurely without a fit-for-purpose corrosion management system.
At TECHT, we’ve worked alongside leading WA mine sites to develop staged corrosion management frameworks that ensure critical infrastructure remains reliable, safe, and compliant throughout the mine’s full life.
Below, we highlight three essential factors to consider when establishing a corrosion management system, based on real-world experience in mining environments, but applicable across many industries where integrity matters.
1. Issue Capture and Asset Ownership
A corrosion management system is only as effective as its ability to identify and prioritise issues.
The first step is ensuring that all personnel (whether employees, contractors, or site visitors), can report corrosion-related issues easily and that those reports are directed to the appropriate asset owner.
However, many sites suffer from fragmented systems where ownership of assets spans multiple departments, creating gaps in accountability. Establishing a clear process for ownership and issue allocation is crucial for successful long-term planning and reliability.
2. Control Through a Stepped Process
Once issues are identified, a structured and repeatable process ensures that remediation is prioritised, costed, and scheduled effectively. This is where TECHT’s methodical and data-backed frameworks prove valuable.
A typical corrosion management strategy should include:
- A condition monitoring regime or corrosion audit to identify and quantify issues
- Risk assessments based on safety, production, and environmental impact
- Prioritisation using a criticality matrix (likelihood vs. consequence)
- An integrity strategy to plan repairs according to available resources
- Technical scoping of repair methods to ensure the best return on investment
- Incorporation of QA/QC protocols and documentation
- Alignment with environmental and safety regulations, such as the Cyanide Management Code
- Ongoing benchmarking and data collection for continuous improvement
This “Goldilocks” approach ensures the right amount is spent in the right place, and prevents both over-engineering and under-protection.
3. Effective Contractor Management
Even with a solid strategy, execution can falter without proper contractor oversight. Issues often arise from incomplete documentation, vague scopes, and inconsistent expectations.
To ensure consistent outcomes:
- Standardise scoping documents, QA/QC forms, and technical specifications
- Use proformas that can be adapted quickly for unplanned works
- Provide accurate documentation to reduce ambiguity during repairs
- Assign supervision and a clear point of contact to support contractor performance
Having a robust contractor management plan leads to fewer surprises, higher-quality repairs, and better outcomes under both planned and emergency conditions.
Why a Corrosion Management System Matters
Corrosion in infrastructure like concrete and structural steel often progresses quietly and slowly, making it easy to overlook until it becomes critical. Unlike mobile or mechanical assets, these items require a modified reliability system to ensure they remain serviceable throughout their intended lifespan.
By implementing a corrosion management system that is methodical, logical, and quantitative, organisations can not only maintain regulatory compliance but significantly improve economic performance, safety, and asset life.
Need Help Setting Up Your Corrosion Management Strategy?
At TECHT, our team of corrosion engineers and condition monitoring specialists work with mining and industrial clients across Australia to build, refine, and implement comprehensive asset integrity frameworks.
Explore our corrosion management services or Get in touch with TECHT to discuss your site-specific integrity challenges.
