IT/OT Project Engineering & Technology Delivery
Optec was engaged to provide specialist IT/OT Project Engineering capability supporting the delivery of operational technology projects across a leading coal producer's Bowen Basin operations. Embedded within the leading coal producer's Technology function, the engagement provides end-to-end technical project delivery across South Walker Creek, Poitrel, Isaac Plains Complex and Eagle Downs, supporting mine communications, operational systems, safety technology and site infrastructure.
The Challenge
A leading coal producer required dedicated IT/OT project engineering capability to coordinate and execute a diverse portfolio of technology projects across multiple operating sites.
The environment combines production-critical communications, fleet and operational technology, safety systems, and supporting IT/network infrastructure. Projects require careful coordination between site management, Technology Superintendents, Operations Technology and Network teams, IT Technology Operations, operational stakeholders and specialist vendors.
Delivery also needs to account for operational constraints, including maintaining critical systems during infrastructure works, managing planned outages and ensuring new solutions align with the leading coal producer's technology standards.
Optec’s Approach
Optec provides embedded IT/OT Project Engineering capability with responsibility for progressing assigned projects from scope and technical planning through execution, commissioning and handover.
The engagement includes:
End-to-end execution and delivery of assigned operational technology projects
Technical input into solution design and resolution of technical queries
Coordination across site management, Technology, Dispatch, OT, Network, and IT teams
Vendor, contractor, and system integrator engagement
Facilitation of risk assessments, Management of Change (MOC) and project governance
Identification and management of technical risks, blockers and dependencies
Alignment of project solutions with the leading coal producer's technology standards
Completion of as-built documentation following site delivery.
Outcomes Delivered
Optec's IT/OT Project Engineer supports a portfolio of active and planned technology initiatives across the leading coal producer's Bowen Basin operations, including:
Remote Control Dozer Technology – South Walker Creek: Technical execution of the leading coal producer's second Remote Control Dozer project, coordinating Network and OT resources and applying lessons from the first deployment to support a more robust technology solution.
Radio & Communications Infrastructure – South Walker Creek: Delivery support for the replacement of the site's legacy radio console system, Tait TB9400 standardisation and the planned relocation of critical communications tower infrastructure supporting radio communications, backhaul connectivity and MineStar.
Fleet Technology & Radio Systems – Poitrel: Support for technology mobilisation across approximately 13 machines involving radio, DSS, MineStar Fleet and Terrain systems, together with delivery of radio-system rectification activities identified through site audits.
Proximity Detection & CHPP Technology – Isaac Plains Complex: Coordination of TORSA proximity detection system testing and operational readiness for the dragline, alongside delivery coordination for new CCTV infrastructure within the CHPP.
Site Technology Infrastructure – Eagle Downs: Delivery of a site-wide CCTV upgrade aligned with the leading coal producer's technology standards and technology requirements associated with the site's control room relocation.
Engagement Scope
Optec provides embedded capability across:
IT/OT Project Engineer
Our Engineer works across the leading coal producer's Technology and operational environments, connecting project management with the technical teams responsible for OT, networks, infrastructure and site systems.
Our Engineer coordinates directly with site management, Technology Superintendents, Dispatch, Network and OT teams, IT Technology Operations, engineering stakeholders, OEMs, contractors and technology vendors to progress projects safely from technical planning through site execution and handover.
Lasting Value
This engagement provides the leading coal producer with dedicated technical ownership across a diverse portfolio of operational technology projects, bridging the gap between project management, site operations and specialist technology teams. By combining hands-on IT/OT knowledge with project execution, technical planning, governance and stakeholder coordination, Optec supports the safe integration of new technology while maintaining the availability of production-critical systems and ensuring delivered solutions align with the leading coal producer's technology standards. This capability supports the leading coal producer's continued investment in mine automation, fleet technology, communications, safety systems and operational infrastructure across its Bowen Basin operations.
