Supporting the Restart of Wonawinta Through Rapid Remote Mobilisation

Client: Manuka Resources
Project: Wonawinta Silver Project – Processing Plant Restart & Construction Support

The Challenge

As Manuka Resources progressed works associated with the restart of the Wonawinta operation, the site required reliable access to key support equipment for construction activities and processing plant recommissioning works.

Located over 600km from Yellow Hire’s Bendigo branch and approximately 1.5 hours south of Cobar, the project presented the logistical and operational challenges common across remote NSW mining operations.

The site required:

• Fast mobilisation into a remote location
• Flexible hire terms during a restart phase
• Reliable mine support equipment
• Transparent pricing without hidden costs
• Ongoing support capability should issues arise onsite

A major focus for the site was sourcing a telehandler solution that allowed the operation to trial equipment before committing to a capital purchase.

Many suppliers were hesitant to mobilise equipment over that distance without long-term minimum hire commitments due to freight and servicing concerns associated with remote mining operations

The AIH / Yellow Hire Approach

From the early stages of the restart process, Atlas Industrial Holdings engaged directly with the site team to understand what equipment was already secured, where operational gaps existed and how Yellow Hire could support the restart timeline.
Multiple equipment solutions and hire configurations were discussed throughout the planning phase, with Yellow Hire maintaining regular communication and conducting site visits to better understand the operational requirements of the project.

Ultimately, Yellow Hire supplied:

• 4T Telehandler
• 60ft Knuckle Boom
• 3T All Terrain Forklift

The equipment package was secured on an initial 3-month hire arrangement, allowing Manuka the flexibility to continue progressing restart works while evaluating longer-term equipment requirements.

Rapid Weekend Mobilisation

Late on a Friday, Yellow Hire received confirmation that the equipment was urgently required onsite for Monday morning operations.

Understanding the importance of avoiding delays during a mine restart, Yellow Hire coordinated mobilisation over the weekend and delivered the equipment to Wonawinta on the Sunday, ensuring the site could commence work first thing Monday morning without interruption.

All equipment was mobilised from Bendigo across three separate deliveries using Yellow Hire’s own tilt tray capability, allowing freight costs and scheduling to be controlled internally rather than relying on third-party transport availability.

The mobilisation was completed in less than 48 hours.

Proactive Regional Support

Supporting remote mining operations goes beyond simply delivering equipment.

To ensure ongoing support capability for the project, Yellow Hire proactively inducted a dedicated field service technician to site during the mobilisation phase. While no servicing issues have occurred to date, this preparation allows AIH to respond rapidly should breakdowns, servicing or operational support be required.

This proactive approach is a key part of how AIH supports regional mining operations across NSW, SA and VIC.

The Outcome

Yellow Hire was able to provide:

• Rapid mobilisation into a remote mining operation
• Flexible short-term hire arrangements
• Transparent pricing with no hidden freight costs
• Trial-before-purchase flexibility
• Reduced risk of restart delays
• Dedicated field service readiness for ongoing support

The Wonawinta project reflects AIH’s broader The Wonawinta project reflects AIH’s broader approach to mining support: practical solutions, fast response times and a willingness to support remote operations where service and reliability matter most.

Alongside equipment rental through Yellow Hire, AIH also supports mining operations with:

• Temporary power solutions
• Diesel maintenance and field service support
• Component rebuilds
• OTR tyre management
• General mine support services

Remote mining projects don’t stop because it’s late Friday afternoon.

Whether it’s rapid mobilisation, flexible equipment solutions or ongoing operational support, AIH and Yellow Hire specialise in supporting mining operations where responsiveness matters.

That’s what we mean by:

Getting It Done

Running a remote or complex project?

Not every operation fits a standard hire catalogue. If your project is remote, time-critical or needs a supplier willing to problem-solve rather than just process an order — talk to the AIH team.

Call us on 1800 784 453 or email enquiries@atlasholdings.com.au

We’ll work out a solution that gets your project moving.