CSR has started commissioning activities, including cane crushing, at its Pioneer mill ahead of schedule.

CSR built a cane juice clarification vessel following the collapse of two clarifying tanks in June. CSR had estimated that the mill would be closed for up to 14 weeks,however, a dedicated project team has ensured that commissioning activities have started in just 8½ weeks.

“Our focus during this exercise was to minimise disruption to growers as much as possible and it’s a strong testament to our team on the ground at Pioneer and our fabrication contractor (WDT Engineering) that we have been able to deliver this project ahead of schedule,” said Jerry Maycock, Managing Director of CSR.

“We have been working around the clock to replace the clarifier tanks while also implementing other measures, such as transferring cane to other mills, to minimise disruption.

“We acknowledge and appreciate the understanding of Burdekin growers during this period and look forward to this continued cooperation to ensure the harvest is completed as soon as possible.”

Cane has started to be loaded at Pioneer for crushing and supply will gradually increase as the mill moves through the commissioning stages to full production capacity within the next few days.