The Covid-19 pandemic and its subsequent impact on industry have halted all nonessential projects. However, demolition contractor Jet Demolition contracts manager Kate Bester expects that projects will resume as industries recover.

“Jet Demolition typically assists large mining companies with the demolition of above-ground infrastructure, shaft sealing and rehabilitation activities. Such activities range from complete brownfields demolition and rehabilitation projects to creating sufficient space for upgrades and improvements to existing infrastructure,” she says.

Bester adds that the company specialises in heavy industrial demolition and the rehabilitation of large, redundant sites.

In relation to maintenance, it regularly assists clients in the industrial sector during 24-hour shutdowns, such as furnaces, where the rapid demolition of existing infrastructure is required for rebuilds.

These services may include hazardous material abatements, the demolition of compromised structures and the rehabilitation of large areas, as well as optimising the client’s methods and approaches to become more cost effective while decreasing overall liability.

Hazardous material abatement is crucial in preventing personnel exposure and any unnecessary and unforeseen cross-contamination.

“It is critical that the hazardous materials are handled with caution and properly disposed of, in line with all relevant environmental and safety regulations. This is done to protect ourselves, the environment and the communities in which we work,” she says.

Bester comments that mining-related demolition works are not necessarily more hazardous than any other heavy industrial demolition project, and that the challenge tends to be the size of structures.

She adds that illegal mining is an additional risk that complicates projects and, consequently, requires that there be a good working relationship between the contractor and the client.

“We have instilled a culture of safety and approach all projects with the same level of attention to detail and care,” Bester says.