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SFI Australia will be speaking at the Aging Assets & Plant Decommissioning Conference hosted by Marcus Evans Group in Brisbane from September 8–10.
The Aging Assets & Plant Decommissioning Conference brings together industry leaders to address the critical challenges of managing aging infrastructure, mitigating risks and ensuring compliant shutdowns across energy, mining and utility sectors – with a focus on asset integrity, lifecycle management and decommissioning best practices.
Why Decommissioning Matters
Decommissioning is an inevitable stage in the life of every asset. For mining, it is one of six lifecycle phases: exploration, project evaluation, construction, operation, closure and post-closure reuse.
In energy, the transition to net zero is accelerating the retirement of coal-fired power stations. The Australian Energy Market Operator expects 60% of coal generation capacity to withdraw by 2030. Globally, the pace is similar, with decommissioning emerging as a defining challenge for operators.
The objective of decommissioning is not simply dismantling, but creating a structurally stable, environmentally safe landform.
The Complexity Of Decommissioning
The challenge means decommissioning must be planned from the outset of a project, integrated into the lifecycle and delivered with precision logistics. This is uniquely complex because it combines:
- Technical hazards – dismantling contaminated infrastructure, draining pipelines, demolishing buildings, and managing hazardous waste.
- Environmental requirements – remediating soil and groundwater, restoring habitats and testing water quality.
- Social impacts – closures may disrupt jobs, homes and local businesses.
Tooling and Supply Strategy: The Hidden Backbone
Downtime, supply shortages, or lost tools can derail decommissioning timelines, escalating costs and safety risks. A well-structured tooling and supply strategy provides the foundation for efficiency.
Temporary Store Facilities
To ensure deconstruction crews remain focused on critical tasks, modular, relocatable store infrastructure:
- Deploys rapidly to offshore or remote onshore sites.
- Provides controlled access to tools, PPE and consumables.
- Reduces walking and waiting times with distributed, close-to-work hubs.
Monitor Logistics Management
SFI’s digital platform underpins compliance and system control with:
- Real-time inventory tracking across multiple hubs.
- Calibration and test-tag monitoring, ensuring safe, compliant equipment use.
- Usage analytics to forecast demand and prevent oversupply or shortages.
- Audit-ready reporting, simplifying regulatory requirements at project closeout.
Circular Economy Supply and Waste Reduction
SFI’s circular economy programs and reuse strategies reduce wastage, supporting ESG commitments and minimising environmental footprint.
National Network and Mobile Hubs
With branches across Australia, SFI can scale supply operations quickly, reducing reliance on single supply chains and mitigating freight delays.
Need Tools On Site Fast?
Supply & Hire of Quality Specialised Tools & Equipment? We’re Up For It.
Social and Environmental Responsibility
Technical efficiency alone is not enough. Decommissioning is also about social license – the acceptance of operations by communities and stakeholders.
A social closure plan addresses the broader impacts of closure: employment, local businesses and wellbeing. By reducing disruption through precise supply management and waste minimisation, SFI supports operators in maintaining trust and meeting ESG expectations.
Innovation also plays a role – from renewable power integration on closed sites to low-waste PPE solutions.
Need Temporary Storage?
Our innovative and agile range of temporary store facilities are located Australia-wide.
What To Expect At The Conference
In an era of accelerating mine and energy closures, developing the right supply and tooling strategy is not just operationally efficient, it is a cornerstone of responsible decommissioning.
This year, at the Aging Assets & Decommissioning Conference SFI Australia will highlight how a smart, data-driven tooling and supply strategy can transform decommissioning projects by:
- Having the right tooling and supply strategy.
- Reducing downtime and cost overruns.
- Ensuring compliance and safety.
- Supporting ESG and community outcomes.
Speak With Us
Since 1977, we’ve been delivering intelligent end-to-end solutions for the Australian mining, energy, construction and manufacturing sectors.
Our proud legacy has been built on consistency and innovation. We reduce downtime on sites and provide unmatched logistical efficiencies.
We take the time to listen and understand before working tirelessly to deliver successful outcomes.
When you need a partner that won’t let you down — we’re up for it.
Steve Thomas | Director & National Account Manager
