Construction will kick off in the June quarter, and Kerman's scope of work includes the civil and concrete works as well as the structural, hydraulic, electrical/communication works and fire protection elements. Scott will be managing the supply, installation and commissioning of robotics equipment.

Completion of the lab is expected in February 2021.

Owner Rio Tinto has called Koodaideri its first ‘intelligent' mine and its design includes plans for digitalisation and automation including autonomous trains and trucks and systems to interconnect the elements of the mine's value chain. It is targeting 2021 to take first tonnes from the open-cut mine.

The Scott-Kerman deal is part of a larger one with the global miner; the main elements of that deal are outlined here.