A Pilbara engineering company has taken Civmec to court over an alleged failure to pay for the work done at Rio Tinto’s Paraburdoo Western Range mine.
A Pilbara engineering company has taken Henderson-based Civmec to court over an alleged failure to pay for the work done at Rio Tinto’s Paraburdoo Western Range mine.
Tom Price-based Bennco Engineering has lodged a writ in the Supreme Court of Western Australia, naming Civmec Construction & Engineering as the defendant.
In the writ, Bennco alleged Henderson-based Civmec failed to pay for more than $900,000 worth of work done at Rio Tinto’s Paraburdoo Western Range upgrade project despite multiple demands.
Rio Tinto started upgrading its Paraburdoo facilities in 2023 and engaged Civmec as a contractor.
Rio Tinto awarded Civmec a $330 million contract for a run-of-mine pad, a crushing facility, and overland conveying circuit in January 2023.
In September, Civmec and Bennco entered into a contract to remove hazardous paint material from conveyor belts at the Paraburdoo project, with the latter using a vapour blasting method, the writ said.
According to the writ, Civmec would deconstruct the structure the belts were attached to while Bennco was only involved in the preparation.
Bennco alleged it could not start work because Civmec had not done its portion, including removal of the conveyor belts and removal of the electrical cabling.
According to the writ, Civmec asked Bennco to change its method, which would change and add to the latter's responsibilities under the contract.
Bennco claimed it was due to finish its contractual work by October 13 2023 but could not do so because of Civmec’s delay.
It has been further alleged, in the writ, that Civmec has not or refused to pay invoices over the work Bennco has done on the project since October 2023.
Bennco claimed payment of about $905,880 and a contract variation or replacement.
Civmec has been contacted for comment.
