Appin Mine Twin Ventilation Shafts (VS7 & VS8)

pitt&sherry has supported the Appin Mine Ventilation and Access (AVMA) Project from the earliest planning and feasibility stages through design verification, certification and construction support for the twin ventilation shafts at Appin Mine, NSW. The project comprises a 7.5 m diameter, 591 m deep downcast shaft (VS7) and a 5.55 m diameter, 561 m deep upcast shaft (VS8), providing critical ventilation and mine access infrastructure to support the long-term operation of the mine. 

Our geotechnical team undertook the original shaft investigations, geological and geotechnical assessments, and shaft sinking studies that informed shaft siting, excavation methodology and permanent support requirements. This included detailed investigation drilling, factual and interpretive geotechnical assessments, shaft stability evaluations, geotechnical modelling, raisebore stability assessments, breakthrough stability assessments and independent reviews of permanent liner designs throughout project development and construction. 

In parallel, pitt&sherry provided construction-phase engineering, independent verification and design certification services for both shafts. Our involvement included certification of permanent concrete liners, shaft collar verification, structural assessments, construction support for shaft breakthrough and base-of-bell excavations, and engineering reviews to optimise liner thickness, concrete strength and construction methodologies while maintaining project safety and design performance requirements. 

Working closely with the project delivery team throughout design and construction, pitt&sherry provided practical engineering advice that balanced geotechnical risk, constructability and operational requirements, helping deliver critical mine infrastructure to support the future of the Appin operation.