PROJECT REPORT: Emergency Demolition at Bunge Bahía Blanca

Grupo Mitre’s dismantling of the Bunge Bahia Blanca plant achieved a 100% recycling rate. (PHOTO: Grupo Mitre)

Project Overview

In December 2023, a powerful tornado swept through Bahía Blanca, Argentina, wreaking havoc across the city and causing extensive structural damage.

Among the impacted sites was the Bunge plant, a critical facility for the region’s agricultural sector. High winds reaching speeds of up to 150 km/h left sections of the plant in a precarious state, with parts at imminent risk of collapse.

Grupo Mitre was commissioned to undertake the controlled demolition of a 2,400 sq m section of the plant. This task required not only technical precision but also careful coordination to preserve vital machinery while addressing safety and operational concerns.

The project posed unique challenges, including operating amidst a city overwhelmed by disaster and ensuring that the plant could remain functional during the critical grain harvest season.

Project Execution

Executing a demolition project under such high-risk conditions required an unwavering focus on precision and safety. Grupo Mitre employed a combination of advanced technology, meticulous planning, and rigorous safety measures to ensure success without compromising on operational goals or worker welfare.

The contractor dismantled a 2,400 sq m section of the agricultural facility. (PHOTO: Grupo Mitre)

Methodology

The demolition process was divided into two stages, each tailored to address specific site conditions and operational requirements.

1. Mechanical Dismantling

• The lateral sectors were dismantled using high-reach excavators equipped with hydraulic shears.
• Excavators with sorting grapples segregated debris on-site, streamlining the recycling process and ensuring minimal environmental impact.
• Large excavators cleared the site continuously, optimizing workflow and maintaining safety around active demolition areas.

2. Manual and Mechanical Demolition

• The central sector housed critical machinery essential to Bunge’s operations. To protect this equipment, a combination of manual and mechanical methods was employed. Workers used elevating platforms and oxy-fuel cutting tools to carefully dismantle overhead structures.
• Protective measures, such as temporary coverings and barriers, were implemented to shield the preserved equipment from damage during the demolition process.

Advanced monitoring technologies played a pivotal role throughout the project. Drones conducted structural surveys, providing real-time data to the engineering team. Telematics systems were also used to track equipment performance and ensure operational efficiency, while site cameras monitored safety compliance and progress.

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Safety Measures

Safety underpinned every aspect of the project. Grupo Mitre’s implementation of its

Certified Trinorma Management System, which aligns with ISO 9001, 14001, and 45001 standards, established a robust framework for managing health, safety, and environmental risks.

Key measures included:

■ Regular safety briefings and training sessions for all personnel.

■ Rigorous inspections to identify and mitigate hazards proactively.

■ Enforcing a strict work permit system to ensure safe execution of all activities.

The zero-accident record achieved during this project is a testament to the comprehensive safety protocols and the commitment of all team members. A dedicated safety team monitored compliance continuously, ensuring adherence to the highest industry standards.

Material Recovery and Recycling

While safety and precision were primary focuses, Grupo Mitre also maintained a strong commitment to sustainability. The demolition achieved a 100% recycling rate for all materials.

All recovered materials were reintegrated into industrial processes as part of circular economy practices. (PHOTO: Grupo Mitre)

Steel Recycling: Approximately 60 tonnes of steel was processed on-site using hydraulic shears and subsequently transported to a steel foundry for reuse in new products.

On-site Segregation: Waste was meticulously sorted to separate recyclable materials, reducing the volume of landfill-bound debris.

Circular Economy Practices: All recovered materials were reintegrated into industrial processes, aligning with Grupo Mitre’s commitment to environmental stewardship, and energy-efficient machinery was deployed to minimize fuel consumption.

Overcoming Logistical Challenges

The project’s remote location, 650 km from Grupo Mitre’s headquarters in Buenos Aires, meant that heavy machinery, tools, and support equipment had to be transported over long distances. To address this, a detailed transportation and resource management plan was developed, ensuring that all required assets were available on-site without delay.

Temporary facilities were also established at the site to support the workforce. These included fully equipped service areas with potable water dispensers, chemical toilets, and hygiene stations, with daily maintenance to ensure a clean and organized work environment that contributed to worker efficiency and satisfaction.

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Project Outcome

The demolition at Bunge Bahía Blanca was completed within the planned 10-day timeframe (22–31 January 2024), and its success was underscored by the preservation of critical machinery, the achievement of a zero-accident record, and the sustainable management of all demolition waste.

Collaboration between Grupo Mitre and Bunge was central to the project’s accomplishments. Regular coordination meetings and open communication channels facilitated proactive problem-solving and ensured alignment on goals and expectations.

By combining advanced technology with high safety standards, Grupo Mitre delivered the project on time and on budget.