BioTECHT brings these capabilities together in one integrated service. The promotional video showcases TECHT’s Western Australian biological laboratory, advanced MIC testing, specialist consultancy and the people behind our MIC capability.

From routine monitoring and laboratory analysis through to failure investigation, treatment optimisation and MIC management strategy, BioTECHT provides clients with direct access to specialist microbiology, corrosion engineering and MIC subject matter expertise.

The objective is simple: turn MIC data into clear, defensible evidence that supports better treatment, maintenance and asset integrity decisions.

Why MIC Needs Specialist Attention

MIC is not just a microbiology issue, and it is not just a corrosion issue.

Microorganisms can attach to surfaces, form biofilms and create local chemical conditions that influence corrosion behaviour. In industrial assets, this can contribute to localised pitting, under-deposit corrosion, biofouling, coating breakdown and unexpected degradation.

That makes diagnosis challenging. A visual inspection may identify corrosion damage, but it may not explain whether microorganisms are part of the mechanism. A laboratory result may identify microbial activity, but it still needs to be interpreted against the asset, material, environment and operating history.

BioTECHT sits at that intersection between microbiology, corrosion engineering and asset integrity.

What BioTECHT Provides

BioTECHT is TECHT’s specialist division focused on microbiologically influenced corrosion, biofouling, biodegradation and biodeterioration. The video describes BioTECHT’s specialist MIC, corrosion and microbiology capability, combining advanced laboratory testing in Western Australia with technical consultancy, data interpretation and subject matter expertise to support asset integrity decisions.

Our capabilities include:

• MIC baseline assessments
• qPCR and next-generation sequencing
• Most Probable Number (MPN) testing
• ATP analysis
• Biofilm characterisation
• Failure investigations
• Biocide effectiveness testing
• Biocide residual analysis
• DNA sampling kits for field collection and preservation
• Custom laboratory simulations under process-specific conditions
• MIC data management and trending through the TECHT MIC Dashboard

The objective is not to run tests for the sake of testing.

The objective is to select the right combination of evidence for the asset question and ensure that the data generated can be used consistently over time.

From Sample to Decision

There is no single analytical method that can define MIC risk on its own. qPCR, NGS, culture-based methods, ATP testing, coupon analysis and biofilm characterisation each provide a different part of the picture. Their value comes from combining those results with the asset’s chemistry, material type, operating conditions, treatment history and integrity data.

A single sample is only a snapshot. The real value comes from consistent, risk-based monitoring over time.

By defining sampling locations, monitoring frequency, preservation methods and analytical requirements, results can be compared meaningfully between campaigns. This allows integrity teams to move beyond asking “Are microorganisms present?” and instead ask:

• Are microbial populations increasing or decreasing?
• Is the biocide treatment working?
• Are higher-risk locations changing?
• Are mitigation measures effective?
• Is MIC risk improving?

This is where laboratory testing becomes an asset integrity tool.

For BioTECHT, the key question is not simply “What did the test find?” but “What does this mean for the asset?”

That requires microbiology, corrosion and materials expertise, together with an understanding of the operating environment. The value is in turning complex MIC data into clear, practical actions, whether that means continuing monitoring, optimising chemical treatment, targeting further mitigation, prioritising maintenance or reassessing risk before the issue becomes more significant.

The value is not in generating more data. It is in turning the right data into better decisions.

Why Local Capability Matters

Effective MIC monitoring starts before the sample reaches the laboratory. Sampling and preservation methods need to be robust, repeatable and practical for field teams to implement consistently. This is particularly important for remote and regional operations, where specialist microbiologists may not be present during every monitoring campaign.

BioTECHT’s local Western Australian capability allows closer interaction between field personnel, laboratory specialists and corrosion engineers, while reducing some of the practical challenges associated with sending samples from remote locations.

TECHT’s DNA sampling kits also allow samples to be preserved and stabilised at the point of collection and transported at ambient temperature for up to 30 days.

For remote assets, practical sampling and preservation can be just as important as the analytical method itself.

The objective is simple: make high-quality MIC monitoring easier to perform consistently.

Turning Monitoring Data into Action

Generating high-quality laboratory data is only part of the solution. One of the challenges across the industry is that valuable MIC information can become fragmented across individual reports, spreadsheets, monitoring campaigns and different assets. Over time, organisations may accumulate large amounts of data without having a clear view of what it is actually telling them.

This is why data management is such an important part of modern MIC monitoring.

When I was interviewed last year about the future of MIC monitoring, one of the areas I highlighted was the need for improved software capable of consolidating MIC data, identifying trends, monitoring KPIs and helping stakeholders understand how MIC risk is changing.

That thinking has been an important driver behind the development of the TECHT MIC Dashboard.

The dashboard provides a centralised environment where monitoring results can be managed, visualised and trended across locations, campaigns and potentially multiple assets. Importantly, it is not simply a platform for displaying microbial numbers. Its value comes from helping turn monitoring data into decision-support information.

This matters because MIC monitoring only creates real value when it leads to action.

An asset owner may need to understand whether unexplained pitting is likely to involve microbial activity. The onsite chemist may need to know whether a chemical treatment programme is working. An operations manager may need to understand whether operating conditions or process changes are increasing MIC risk. A reliability engineer may need to identify which system should be prioritised for inspection.

BioTECHT supports these decisions by combining microbial testing with corrosion and asset integrity interpretation. Field investigation, laboratory evidence and engineering advice are considered together so that monitoring data can be translated into practical actions.

Good MIC management is not about collecting more data. It is about connecting the right data to asset risk, consequence and maintenance priorities so that better decisions can be made at the right time.

The Human Expertise Behind the Laboratory

MIC monitoring is not a black-box laboratory exercise, nor can it be reduced to an algorithm.

Digital tools and AI are valuable for organising data, identifying patterns and supporting analysis, but effective MIC management still relies on engineering judgement and practical experience.

Results must be interpreted in the context of the asset – its operating history, materials, treatment regime, sampling conditions, deposits and integrity findings. A numerical change may indicate deteriorating MIC control, or it may simply reflect a change in operating conditions, sampling or treatment. Distinguishing between the two requires asset knowledge and experience.

The same applies to deciding what action to take. There is rarely a single correct response. Treatment optimisation, cleaning, additional inspection, changes to sampling or no immediate action may all be appropriate depending on the risk and operating constraints.

This is where BioTECHT’s consultancy capability adds value. Our specialists combine the trends identified through monitoring and the MIC Dashboard with asset-specific knowledge to refine monitoring, optimise treatment and drive continuous improvement.

The value is not just in explaining the data, but in knowing what matters, what action is practical and how the MIC management strategy should evolve over time.

BioTECHT helps asset owners move beyond simply detecting microorganisms to understanding what the data means for the asset, how MIC risk is changing, and what action should follow.

By combining risk-based monitoring, advanced laboratory testing, intelligent data management and specialist MIC consultancy, we turn fragmented results into a clearer picture of asset condition and treatment performance.
The value is not in generating more data. It is in creating the confidence to intervene earlier, optimise treatment, focus inspection and maintenance where they matter most, and continuously improve MIC management over the life of the asset.

For industries operating in water-exposed, process-exposed or biologically active environments, this means moving from reactive investigation to proactive MIC management.

From sample to strategy, BioTECHT turns microbial data into better asset integrity decisions.

If your organisation is managing unexplained corrosion, biofouling, microbial contamination or MIC risk, BioTECHT can help you move from isolated testing to a more consistent, risk-based and actionable MIC management approach.

Speak with TECHT about how our laboratory testing, MIC monitoring, dashboard capability and specialist consultancy can support better treatment decisions, stronger risk management and improved asset integrity outcomes.

At the same time, the tools of integrity management, namely sensors, data and predictive models, are exactly the tools needed to cut waste and report on climate risk. This post looks ahead at where sustainable practices in asset integrity are heading, and offers five grounded predictions for the coming years, along with what Asset Owners can start doing now.

What Do We Mean by Sustainable Asset Integrity?

Sustainable asset integrity is the practice of managing assets so they deliver the longest safe, productive life for the least environmental cost. It connects two ideas that used to sit in separate focus areas: keeping assets fit for service; and reducing an organisation’s environmental footprint.

The link between them is embodied carbon, the emissions locked into an asset when it is built. Each tonne of steel releases on the order of 1.9 tonnes of CO₂ on average (Worldsteel), and cement production accounts for roughly 8% of global CO₂ emissions. For heavy infrastructure, much of the whole-life carbon is spent before the asset ever operates. That drastically reframes integrity work: every year of safe life extended on an existing asset is a year the carbon spike of demolition and rebuild is avoided. Managing integrity well is, increasingly, a sustainability decision.

Prediction 1: Life Extension Will Be Recognised as a Decarbonisation Strategy

Life extension has always been justified on cost. Over the coming decade, it will increasingly be justified on carbon as well. Because the embodied emissions of steel and concrete are so high, safely extending the life of an existing structure, pipeline or vessel avoids the emissions of replacing it. The 2024 revision of the ISO 55000 asset-management standards reflects this shift, folding sustainability and circular-economy thinking into the core principles of asset management. Expect avoided embodied carbon to start appearing alongside deferred capital as a formal benefit of integrity programs.

Prediction 2: Digital Twins, Predictive Analytics and Remote Inspection Will Cut Both Waste and Emissions

Condition-based and predictive maintenance are displacing fixed-calendar maintenance, and the sustainability dividend is significant. McKinsey has reported that predictive maintenance typically reduces machine downtime by 30–50% and extends equipment life by 20–40%. Every avoided failure and every extended life avoids material and emissions. Remote and robotic inspection compounds the effect: studies have found drone-based inspection can cut inspection-related CO2 by around 50%, and replacing helicopter power-line inspection with drones has saved hundreds of tonnes of CO2 a year for a single utility.

Digital Twins will become Context Twins. Context twins are virtual models fed by live condition data, and are forecast by market analysts to grow quickly through 2030. Their real value here is doing more integrity assurance with fewer physical interventions, and continuous corrosion sensing is part of the same shift from calendar-based to evidence-based inspection.

Prediction 3: Existing Assets Will Be Repurposed and Requalified Across Industries

The energy transition does not only mean new assets; it means reusing the ones we already have, and the pattern reaches well beyond oil and gas. In the energy sector, DNV forecasts that more than 50% of hydrogen pipelines globally will be repurposed natural-gas lines, up to 80% in some regions, at a cost of just 10–35% of new construction, while carbon capture and storage drives similar demand for integrity-managed CO2 transport, with the IEA projecting large growth in capture and storage capacity by 2030.

The same thinking is spreading across industries: offshore oil and gas platforms and subsea infrastructure assessed for reuse as offshore wind or CCS hubs; water pipelines, reservoirs and treatment assets kept in service rather than replaced; mining process plant, tanks and tailings infrastructure re-rated for new ore bodies or new duties; and bridges, wharves and buildings life-extended instead of demolished.

Repurposing is inherently sustainable because it reuses embodied carbon rather than spending it again, but it changes the rules an asset was designed and inspected against. A new duty can bring different loads, pressures, temperatures, fluids, or contaminants, and with them degradation mechanisms the original integrity plan never accounted for, from new corrosion and cracking mechanisms through fatigue to, in the case of hydrogen, embrittlement. Defects that were tolerable under the original service can become critical under the new one. Expect requalification and fitness-for-service assessment of existing assets, backed by service-specific integrity standards, to become a major stream of engineering work across every asset-intensive industry.

Prediction 4: Coatings and Corrosion Control Will Get Measurably Greener

Corrosion protection is quietly becoming a sustainability discipline. Low-VOC and zero-VOC coatings, below 50 g/L and 5 g/L respectively, are replacing solvent-heavy systems, and long-life coating technologies can extend recoat intervals dramatically; some fluoropolymer topcoats are rated for 30 to 60 years without repainting, against the two or three repaint cycles a conventional system would need in the same period. Fewer recoats means less material, less waste, and fewer emissions across an asset’s life. Alongside this, renewable-powered cathodic protection and bio-based corrosion inhibitors are moving from niche to mainstream. The theme is consistent: protect the asset for longer, with less environmental cost per year of protection.

Prediction 5: Integrity Data Will Become Sustainability-Reporting Data

Perhaps the biggest shift is in reporting. In 2023, the ISSB issued IFRS S2 Climate-related Disclosures, consolidating the earlier TCFD recommendations, and it requires companies to disclose the physical-climate exposure of their assets across short, medium, and long horizons. That is a question integrity teams already answer every day: what condition are the assets in, what is their remaining life, and how resilient are they? Over the next few years, the inspection, condition-monitoring, and remaining-life data held in integrity systems will increasingly feed directly into corporate climate and sustainability disclosures. Integrity data, in other words, could become audited business data.

What Operators Can Do Now

• Treat life extension as a carbon decision as well as a cost one, and start recording the emissions avoided by keeping assets in service.
• Prioritise condition-based over calendar-based maintenance where you can; it reduces both unnecessary intervention and unnecessary emissions.
• Make integrity data clean and structured now; it could soon be feeding sustainability reporting, not just maintenance planning.
• If you are repurposing an asset or changing its duty, plan the integrity requalification early, because the degradation mechanisms under the new service can differ from those the asset was originally designed for.

The next decade of asset integrity will be defined by a single realisation: the most sustainable asset is usually the one you already own, kept safely in service. Life extension, predictive and remote inspection, repurposing and requalifying existing assets, greener coatings, and integrity data flowing into climate disclosure are not separate trends; they are facets of the same shift, in which integrity management becomes a core part of how organisations decarbonise. Operators who build clean data, condition-based decision-making, and independent technical judgement into their integrity programs now will be best placed to meet both their safety obligations and their sustainability commitments.

Thinking about how to extend asset life, move from calendar-based to evidence-based inspection, or prepare your integrity data for sustainability reporting? TECHT works with asset-intensive operators to do exactly that.

Call 08 6383 9870, or email info@techt.com.au to discuss how we could work with you on what an asset integrity and condition-monitoring strategy built around your assets would look like.

Sources

• Embodied carbon of cement (~8% of global CO2) and steel (~7–9%; 1.5–3 t CO2 per tonne): IEA; SEI/UNIDO Industrial Analytics Platform; Nature, “Cement and steel — nine steps to net zero” (2022); World Economic Forum (2024).
• ISO 55000 / 55001:2024 (asset management; sustainability and circular economy): iso.org.
• Predictive maintenance downtime −30–50%, life +20–40%: McKinsey & Company, “Manufacturing: Analytics unleashes productivity and profitability.”
• Drone inspection CO2 reductions (~50%; helicopter-to-drone savings): OnePetro/ADIP; AirPixels; Airpelago.
• Digital-twin market growth forecasts (attributed to market analysts): MarketsandMarkets; Data Bridge Market Research.
• Hydrogen pipeline repurposing (>50%, up to 80%; 10–35% of new-build cost) and hydrogen embrittlement: DNV, “Repurposing onshore pipelines for hydrogen”; DNV H2Pipe JIP. dnv.com.
• CCS capture and storage growth to 2030: IEA, “CCUS projects around the world are reaching new milestones.” iea.org.
• Low-VOC and long-life coatings: AMPP ProtectPerform, “Sustainable Corrosion Protection”; PCI Magazine, “Long-Life Coatings.”
• IFRS S2 Climate-related Disclosures (2023), consolidating TCFD: IFRS Foundation. ifrs.org.

TECHT is an independent, third-party corrosion, materials and asset integrity consultancy based in Western Australia. The team brings together corrosion engineers, scientists, project managers and technical specialists to help asset owners understand what is happening, why it is happening and what should be done next.

In this blog, we explain who TECHT is, how the business supports clients across the asset lifecycle, and why multidisciplinary corrosion expertise matters when the right decision needs to be made quickly.

TECHT is a specialist engineering consultancy focused on corrosion, durability, materials performance and asset integrity.

The business operates as an independent advisor. That matters because corrosion decisions often sit at the intersection of engineering risk, maintenance cost, operational constraints and long-term asset performance. Clients need advice that is technically defensible, practical and not tied to a product sale.

From its base in Western Australia, TECHT supports asset-intensive industries including mining, oil and gas, water, infrastructure, marine, defence, manufacturing and heavy industry. The work ranges from field inspections and failure investigations through to laboratory testing, durability advice, condition monitoring and asset integrity planning.

The common thread is simple: help clients understand their assets clearly enough to make informed decisions.

Why Corrosion Expertise Matters

Corrosion-related issues can become showstoppers. A localised defect can delay a shutdown. A coating problem can reveal a deeper materials issue. A microbial corrosion mechanism can sit unnoticed until a failure investigation asks the right questions. A lack of asset visibility can make it difficult to know what has been inspected, what remains open and which risks need to be prioritised.

TECHT’s role is to bring structure to that uncertainty. The team combines real-world inspection experience, forensic failure investigation, laboratory capability and engineering interpretation. This allows TECHT to move from observation to cause, then from cause to practical action. For clients, that means clearer evidence, better
priorities and fewer decisions based only on assumption.

Independent Advice Across Specialist Service Lines

TECHT’s capability is delivered through specialist service areas that work together rather than in isolation.

DeTECHT provides corrosion engineering, inspection and asset integrity consulting, including tank inspections, corrosion audits, remediation scoping, QA/QC inspection and fitness-for-service support.

ArchiTECHT provides specialist expertise in protective coatings, materials selection, durability design, corrosion mitigation design, and in-house materials and corrosion testing to support long-term asset integrity.

BioTECHT provides microbiologically influenced corrosion (MIC) expertise, supporting all aspects of MIC risk management through microbial investigations, risk assessment, monitoring, biocide verification, specialist laboratory testing, mitigation strategy and technical advisory services.

ProTECHT delivers turn-key condition monitoring and cathodic protection (CP) services to support asset integrity and reliability.

InnoTECHT delivers asset integrity technologies that combine corrosion protection, corrosion sensing, real-time monitoring, and digital asset intelligence, helping clients transition from periodic inspections to continuous condition awareness and predictive integrity management.

Each service area has its own specialist focus, but the greatest value comes from how they connect. Corrosion, microbiology, materials performance, inspection findings, coatings, cathodic protection, and operational conditions are closely interconnected and should not be considered in isolation. TECHT’s multidisciplinary team is better placed to see those links and turn them into pragmatic solutions.

A Team Built Around Practical Problem Solving

The TECHT Story video describes the team as scientists, engineers and project managers working together to solve corrosion problems quickly.

That combination is important. A laboratory result only becomes useful when it is interpreted in the context of the asset. A field observation only becomes useful when it is connected to mechanism, consequence and repair strategy. A monitoring system only becomes useful when the data supports decisions that maintenance and operations teams can act on.

TECHT’s culture is built around responsiveness and technical ownership. When a client needs support, the team can mobilise people, inspect the problem, collect evidence, interpret the data and help define the next step.

Sometimes that means a site visit. Sometimes it means laboratory investigation. Sometimes it means a longer-term monitoring or integrity management strategy.

The objective is not simply to identify corrosion. The objective is to help clients decide what matters, what can wait and what needs action.

Innovation Backed by Engineering Interpretation

TECHT also invests in technology, research and new capability. Condition monitoring, corrosion sensing, digital asset records and data-driven inspection tools all have a role to play in improving asset integrity decisions.
But technology is only useful when it answers the right question.

TECHT’s approach is to connect monitoring and digital tools with engineering judgement. This helps clients move beyond isolated data points and toward clearer asset health intelligence. When inspection records, laboratory findings, sensor data and engineering interpretation are considered together, asset owners gain a more complete view of condition and risk.

That is where TECHT’s practical value sits: not technology for its own sake, but better visibility, better evidence and better decisions.

Supporting Clients Through the Asset Lifecycle

Asset integrity is not a single inspection or a single report. It is a lifecycle problem. TECHT supports clients during design, construction, operation, maintenance, failure investigation, repair planning and life extension. The same corrosion mechanism can have different implications depending on where the asset sits in that lifecycle.

For a new asset, the priority may be durability planning, material selection or coating specification. For an operating asset, it may be inspection, corrosion monitoring, risk ranking or repair scope development. For an ageing asset, it may be fitness-for-service assessment, life extension or evidence to support capital planning.
Across those stages, TECHT helps clients reduce uncertainty and make decisions that are practical, defensible and aligned with operational needs.

TECHT is an independent corrosion, materials and asset integrity consultancy built around practical technical problem solving.

The business brings together field inspection, laboratory testing, microbiological investigation, condition monitoring, durability design and engineering interpretation. That combination helps clients understand corrosion-related risk, prioritise action and improve the reliability of critical infrastructure.

Corrosion problems can be complex, but the goal is clear: give asset owners the evidence they need to make better decisions.

If your organisation needs independent support with corrosion, materials performance, microbiological investigation, condition monitoring or asset integrity planning, contact the TECHT team.

Learn more at TECHT’s YouTube Channel

In industries such as mining, oil and gas, infrastructure, marine, water, and manufacturing, inaccurate or unreliable testing can lead to increased risk, costly failures, and reduced asset performance.

That’s why TECHT is proud to announce that our Materials Testing Laboratory has achieved NATA accreditation to ISO/IEC 17025:2017.

This achievement independently verifies our laboratory’s technical competence and reinforces our commitment to delivering trusted testing services for Australia’s asset-intensive industries.

In this article, we’ll explain what NATA accreditation is, why it matters, what makes TECHT’s accredited capabilities unique, and how our laboratory supports better engineering decisions.

What is NATA?

NATA (National Association of Testing Authorities) is Australia’s national accreditation body for laboratories and inspection services.

It independently assesses organisations to verify their competence to perform specific testing activities against internationally recognised standards. For testing laboratories, accreditation is assessed against ISO/IEC 17025:2017, the global benchmark for laboratory competence.

Simply put, NATA accreditation provides confidence that a laboratory can consistently deliver accurate, reliable and impartial results.

Why ISO/IEC 17025 Matters

ISO/IEC 17025 is recognised worldwide as the benchmark for laboratory competence. It assesses more than just quality systems.

Laboratories must demonstrate:

• Technical competency
• Equipment calibration
• Measurement traceability
• Validated test methods
• Sample handling
• Quality assurance
• Continuous improvement

For clients, this means greater confidence that laboratory results are accurate, repeatable and technically defensible.

Achieving NATA accreditation requires significant investment in people, equipment, laboratory infrastructure and quality systems.

Many growing laboratories delay seeking accreditation because of the time, cost and ongoing commitment required; however, TECHT chose a different path.

We invested early because we believe independent verification is essential for building client confidence and delivering trusted engineering outcomes.

Setting a New Benchmark

NATA accreditation is a significant achievement. At the time of writing, TECHT is the only laboratory in Australia NATA-accredited for the following test methods:

• ISO 15711 Method A: Cathodic Disbondment Testing
• ISO 2811-1: Density Determination
• ASTM D2621: Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) for Paint Vehicle Identification
• ISO 3251: Determination of Non-Volatile Matter Accredited Tests

This demonstrates the confidence placed in TECHT’s technical capability while providing Australian industry with access to internationally recognised testing services that are rarely available elsewhere.

Accredited Tests

Every accredited test serves a different purpose, and together they help clients qualify coatings, investigate failures, verify product quality and improve asset integrity.

Supporting Australia’s Critical Industries

TECHT’s accredited laboratory supports organisations across:

• Mining
• Oil and Gas
• Energy
• Infrastructure
• Marine
• Water
• Manufacturing
• Heavy Industry

Whether qualifying coatings, investigating failures or supporting asset integrity programs, our testing services help clients reduce risk and make informed engineering decisions.

Our accredited scope, however, represents only part of our capability. TECHT also undertakes specialised corrosion, coatings, materials and electrochemical testing for Research, Product development, Failure investigations, Quality assurance, and Complex engineering projects.

Where industry demand exists, we can also work towards expanding our NATA Scope of Accreditation.

Our team works with clients across asset-intensive industries to solve practical engineering problems, reduce risk and improve the reliability of critical infrastructure.

TECHT’s strength lies in combining laboratory capability with practical field experience. We understand that laboratory data is only useful when it supports clear engineering decisions. By integrating testing, inspection and specialist engineering interpretation, TECHT provides clients with evidence-based solutions that are practical, defensible and aligned with operational needs.

NATA accreditation is more than a certificate; it is independent recognition that a laboratory is competent to perform specific tests in accordance with internationally recognised standards. For clients, this provides greater confidence that the data supporting critical engineering decisions is accurate, reliable, and defensible.

By achieving ISO/IEC 17025:2017 accreditation, TECHT reinforces its commitment to technical excellence, quality, and trusted engineering outcomes. Combined with our expertise in corrosion engineering, protective coatings, materials testing, and asset integrity, we help clients make informed decisions with confidence.

Ready to Build Confidence into Your Next Project?

Whether you’re qualifying a protective coating, investigating material performance, or seeking independent, NATA-accredited laboratory testing, TECHT is here to help.

Explore our Materials Testing, Corrosion Engineering, and ArchiTECHT services to discover how our multidisciplinary expertise can support your next project. To discuss your testing requirements or learn more about our accredited laboratory capabilities, contact the TECHT team today.

Yet many organisations continue to rely on static inspection reports that quickly become outdated and disconnected from day-to-day maintenance activities. Modern asset management requires more than identifying defects. It requires understanding risk, prioritising repairs, tracking corrective actions, and demonstrating that issues have been effectively closed out.

At TECHT, our Chartered Professional Engineers (CPEng) have more than 20 years of experience supporting mining operations throughout Western Australia and internationally. We combine multidisciplinary engineering expertise with our proprietary Structural Asset Integrity Reporting System (SAIRS) to transform inspections into actionable asset intelligence.

In this article, we’ll explain what SAIRS is, why it is changing the way mining companies manage structural and corrosion risks, and how integrating engineering expertise with digital asset management helps organisations reduce risk, improve reliability, and maximise maintenance investment.

Structural and Corrosion Engineering for Proactive Risk Reduction

The Structural Asset Integrity Reporting System (SAIRS) is TECHT’s integrated engineering and digital reporting platform designed specifically for managing structural integrity and corrosion throughout the asset lifecycle.

What is SAIRS, and Why Does it Matter?

Rather than producing a traditional inspection report that sits on a shelf, SAIRS creates a living integrity management system.

Every inspection finding is:

• Captured digitally
• Geolocated within a Digital Twin
• Assigned a quantified engineering risk
• Linked directly to corrective actions
• Tracked through to verified close-out

The result is complete visibility of your structural health, allowing engineering and maintenance teams to focus on reducing risk rather than simply documenting defects. For processing plants, ports, marine facilities, industrial infrastructure and mining operations, this means maintenance decisions become evidence-based rather than reactive.

Why Traditional Inspection Reports Fall Short

Traditional structural and corrosion inspections typically follow a familiar process.

• Inspect the asset
• Produce a report
• Recommend repairs
• Archive the report

Unfortunately, many recommendations never progress beyond the report, and not only do actions become difficult to track, but risk registers also become outdated, and inspection history becomes fragmented, adding to maintenance priorities changing without engineering justification.

The consequence is that deterioration continues until failures become operational problems. SAIRS closes this gap by making inspections part of an ongoing integrity management process rather than a once-off engineering exercise.

How SAIRS Delivers Proactive Asset Integrity

Comprehensive Multidisciplinary Engineering Inspections

Asset integrity is a multi-disciplinary problem, where corrosion affects structural performance, structural deterioration affects mechanical reliability, and process chemistry influences material degradation.

All of TECHT’s inspections are undertaken by experienced corrosion engineers, structural engineers, mechanical engineers, materials engineers, chemical engineers and other specialists who work together to identify issues that individual discipline inspections often miss.

These reports are then reviewed and endorsed by experienced Chartered Professional Engineers.

Digital Identification and Geotagging

Every defect identified during inspection is recorded within SAIRS. Each issue includes:

• GPS or plant location
• Structural component
• Photographs
• Corrosion mechanism
• Engineering assessment
• Risk ranking
• Recommended action

This creates a Digital Twin of the facility where engineers can navigate directly to each issue from anywhere in the world.

AI-Assisted Engineering Recommendations

One of SAIRS’ most powerful capabilities is the integration of artificial intelligence to assist engineers in developing corrective actions. Using the inspection data, AI can help generate:

• Repair scopes
• Inspection recommendations
• Material specifications
• Coating recommendations
• Engineering work packs
• Draft maintenance tasks

Every recommendation remains subject to engineering review and approval by qualified TECHT engineers, ensuring technical accuracy while dramatically reducing reporting time.

Risk-Based Prioritisation

Not every defect requires immediate repair. SAIRS applies TECHT’s proprietary Risk Priority Number (RPN) methodology to objectively quantify risk. This allows maintenance teams to prioritise work based upon:

• Safety
• Structural consequence
• Likelihood of failure
• Remaining life
• Operational impact
• Business risk

Rather than repairing everything, organisations can confidently repair the right things first.

Integration with Existing Maintenance Systems

One of the biggest challenges in asset management is ensuring engineering recommendations actually become maintenance activities.

SAIRS integrates directly with existing Computerised Maintenance Management Systems (CMMS), including SAP, Pronto, IBM Maximo, and other maintenance platforms.

Inspection findings can automatically become maintenance notifications or work orders, providing complete traceability from defect identification through to verified completion. Every recommendation is accountable, and nothing gets lost.

Verification and Close Out

The inspection is not complete when the report is issued. It is complete when the risk has been reduced.
SAIRS tracks:

• Open issues
• Repair progress
• Verification inspections
• Quality assurance
• Engineering acceptance
• Risk reduction

This supports the full Plan, Do, Check, Act (PDCA) cycle aligned with ISO 55000 Asset Management principles.

Why Mining Operations in Western Australia Choose SAIRS

Mining environments present some of the harshest operating conditions in the world. With high abrasion, aggressive chemical exposure, corrosive process water, fatigue loading, and heavy structural demands.

TECHT has spent more than two decades supporting Western Australian mining operations with practical engineering solutions that recognise the realities of brownfield operating environments.

Our multidisciplinary engineering team understands how structural deterioration develops, how corrosion mechanisms interact with operating conditions, and how to prioritise maintenance where it delivers the greatest reduction in operational risk.

Key Benefits of SAIRS

Organisations implementing SAIRS benefit from:

• Earlier identification of structural deterioration
• Improved corrosion management
• Objective engineering risk prioritisation
• Digital Twin visualisation
• AI-assisted engineering documentation
• Integration with SAP and Pronto
• Complete action traceability
• Reduced maintenance backlog
• Improved audit compliance
• Better allocation of maintenance budgets

Most importantly, SAIRS changes integrity management from reactive maintenance to proactive risk reduction-tips for Building a Proactive Structural Integrity Program.

If your organisation is looking to improve structural asset management, consider inspecting before defects become failures, integrating inspection data into your maintenance systems, and prioritising repairs using engineering risk rather than age.

You should also consider verifying that every corrective action has been completed, and use multidisciplinary engineering to understand the whole asset, not just individual defects.

Asset integrity should never end with an inspection report – the true value comes from turning engineering observations into measurable reductions in operational risk.

TECHT’s Structural Asset Integrity Reporting System (SAIRS) combines experienced Chartered Professional Engineers, multidisciplinary engineering expertise, Digital Twin technology, AI-assisted engineering workflows, and seamless CMMS integration to provide a complete lifecycle approach to structural and corrosion management.

Whether you’re managing a single processing plant or a portfolio of mining assets, SAIRS gives you the visibility, traceability, and engineering confidence needed to make informed maintenance decisions before failures occur.

Ready to Move Beyond Static Inspection Reports?

If you’re looking to build a proactive structural and corrosion management program, TECHT can help.

Our DeTECHT Structural Integrity Audits and Corrosion Management Audits combine experienced Chartered Professional Engineers, multidisciplinary engineering expertise, and the SAIRS digital platform to help mining operations identify risk earlier, prioritise maintenance effectively, and verify corrective actions through to completion.

Contact TECHT today to arrange a consultation or learn more about how SAIRS can be integrated with your existing SAP, Pronto, or other maintenance management systems.

Using similar mechanisms, Microorganisms are also able to attach to and colonize steel surfaces, where they can “eat” materials using a variety of metabolic functions.

Figure 1: Biofilm formation on steel.

Many direct and indirect microbial corrosion processes can be involved, such as sulfate reduction, acid production, iron oxidation, and direct electron transfer, leading to challenges in the diagnosis and treatment of microbial contamination issues.

Microbial corrosion is estimated to cost our global economy around $625 Billion, and is documented extensively in industries such as oil and gas, water, marine transport, and Defense.

For almost a century, case studies implicating microbial corrosion have been documented across the globe. Most of these incidents occur in assets where water is naturally present, such as oil production systems, pipelines, floating production storage and offloading (FPSO) facilities, and marine structures like jetties and wharfs.

Why water? Because microorganisms need it to survive, colonise surfaces, and ultimately drive corrosion. Once they settle, these microbes form a sticky, structured community known as a biofilm. This biofilm is required to kick-start and maintain microbial corrosion.

Meanwhile, far from the oilfields and coastal infrastructure where MIC is typically expected, a very different story has been unfolding in the vast Australian outback. Mining operations, often assumed to be too dry, dusty, and harsh for microbial activity, are experiencing rapid and unexpected corrosion in critical assets.

The mining industry is critical to our way of life as a nation. Gold mining alone encompasses more than 350 operating sites nationwide and contributes around $20 billion AUD every year, a cornerstone of regional employment, national exports, and long‑term economic stability.

Figure 2. Corrosion Assessment in WA mining industry

When corrosion issues in such a vital industry are unknown or poorly managed, it affects everyone. Naturally, I was curious to determine the cause of these issues, and so I began inspecting assets across Western Australia for what I call ‘corrosion aggravators’.

Corrosion aggravators are factors that accelerate or intensify corrosion processes. These include time of wetness (the duration a surface remains moist), the presence of aggressive species such as chlorides, and galvanic interactions that occur when dissimilar metals are in direct electrical contact. Other contributors include oxygen availability, temperature fluctuations, pH changes, and mechanical damage that exposes fresh metal surfaces.

In parallel, I examined the fundamental requirements for microbial life, such as nutrients and suitable environmental conditions that allow microorganisms to grow and form biofilms.

Figure 3. Deposit build-up on steel assets results in increased risk of MIC.

Findings from these site inspections indicated that not only can microbial life exist, but it can thrive in the gold mining industry, even in gold cyanidation tanks.

As a corrosion engineer, this immediately raised a flag. Could microbial corrosion be occurring in the outback, despite the region being far from oceans, rivers, or other obvious water sources?

The more I investigated, the more the pieces fell into place. All the fundamental requirements for microbial activity were consistently available: a reliable water source, suitable temperature ranges, and a steady supply of nutrients. Even in these remote, harsh environments, the conditions were sufficient for microbes to grow, form biofilms, and potentially drive corrosion.

Figure 4. A corrosion nodule forming in a WA bore water tank is a sign of microbial corrosion. 

Western Australian mine sites, especially gold processing plants, rely on process water; this water is pumped from deep underground bores and often contains a complex mix of dissolved minerals, picked up from the surrounding geology. In many regions of WA, this bore water is highly saline, rich in sodium chloride and other salts that can influence both processing performance and corrosion behaviour.

Process water is essential to almost every stage of gold extraction. It moves through every part of the plant, from leaching tanks up to 22 meters high to pipes, pumps, spray systems, and even access structures. In short, if it’s in the processing circuit, it’s touched by process water. And wherever water flows, so do the conditions that can enable corrosion, and, potentially, microbial activity.

Figure 5. Process water on a WA mine site with salts and other minerals is a corrosion aggravator. 

Genetic testing of process water and potable water from three major WA mine sites confirmed what the site inspections had hinted at: microorganisms are not just present, they’re thriving, and in remarkable diversity.
They were detected in bore holes, fire‑water systems, pipework, safety showers, storage tanks, and even on equipment across the processing plant.

But the critical question remained: were these microbes actually causing corrosion?

Not all microorganisms can corrode steel assets, and not all assets on a mine site are exposed to microbially contaminated water. This gap made it clear that further investigation was needed. We began focusing on two key tasks: 1) identifying which assets were at genuine risk of microbial corrosion, based on their water exposure and operating conditions, and 2) conducting targeted visual inspections to look for tell-tale signs of MIC, localised pitting, under-deposit corrosion, black or slimy biofilms, or unusual corrosion morphologies.

These steps became central to understanding where microbial corrosion could be taking hold, and where it wasn’t.

Where bore water came into contact with carbon steel (‘site steel’), evidence of microbial corrosion began to appear. Because these assets were never designed with MIC risk in mind, and no operational measures existed for contamination control, microbial activity was able to grow and spread unchecked.

One case study centered on a bore water storage tank where coating degradation had left large areas of steel exposed. The tank displayed leaks and widespread general (uniform) corrosion, which, under normal circumstances, progresses slowly over many years. Uniform corrosion typically reduces steel thickness at a predictable rate and rarely causes rapid failures.

Microbial Corrosion behaves very differently. It is localised, attacking steel through concentrated pits or under-deposit zones. These focal points can lead to rapid metal loss, perforation, and unexpected asset failure, even when the overall structure still appears sound. In this tank, the corrosion pattern and field evidence indicated that microbial activity had accelerated the degradation well beyond what uniform corrosion alone would produce.

Figure 6. Perforations to site steel, and even stainless steel as seen above, can lead to safety concerns. This image was captured from a safety shower system on a Western Australian mine site.

Leaking and visibly perforated assets from multiple mine sites were documented and sampled using a newly developed DNA sampling kit, designed to preserve microbial DNA for at least 30 days at room temperature.

Figure 7.  TECHT’s DNA sampling kits are designed for reliable field collection and preservation of microbial samples for up to 30 days at ambient temperature, enabling accurate molecular analysis of samples from remote locations.

Molecular analysis of these samples at the TECHT Laboratory revealed that diverse populations of potentially corrosive prokaryotes were concentrated specifically at the failure locations, strongly linking microbial activity to the observed damage.

To further demonstrate causation rather than coincidence, we established controlled exposure tests using site‑representative carbon steel immersed in process water. Microbial communities collected from three Western Australian mine sites were used to inoculate the test systems, which were then maintained for a two‑month exposure period. This setup allowed us to directly assess whether the microorganisms present in mine‑site water could initiate or accelerate corrosion under realistic conditions.

Figure 7. Corrosion testing in the TECHT laboratory to determine the link between microbes in process water and corrosion.

After the two‑month test period, we inspected the steel coupons and measured their corrosion rates using weight‑loss analysis (see ASTM G1-90 & NACE SP0775). This method is straightforward: you weigh the steel before the test, weigh it again afterwards, and the difference tells you how much metal has been lost. It’s a standard and trusted approach in corrosion science because it clearly shows how fast corrosion occurs over time.

The results were striking. Steel exposed to the microbial communities from mine sites showed nearly double the metal loss compared with the control samples that had no microbes added. In other words, the microorganisms were actively accelerating corrosion.

Although this work is still in the early stages, and there is much more to learn about the microbes thriving in mining environments, the findings highlight a genuine concern: MIC is likely an active and aggressive corrosion mechanism, even at inland mine sites once assumed to be low‑risk.

Looking ahead, the focus will be on developing early warning systems and targeted solutions. TECHT is currently mapping native microorganisms throughout the mining industry through the BioTECHT Division, which to date has not been achieved before. Other industries already use a range of strategies to manage MIC, design improvements, smarter materials selection, chemical dosing programs, and cathodic protection, to name a few. The challenge for mining is to determine how these tools, along with emerging technologies, can be adapted or scaled to their unique conditions. Knowing the makeup (genus, species) of the microbial communities we have to face is a critical first step. 

The question now is clear: How do we leverage both new and proven technologies to extend asset life, reduce financial losses, and improve safety across the mining industry?

And this is exactly where our passion lies at TECHT. We’re committed to delivering innovative asset integrity solutions, backed by reliable testing and expert consultancy, to support a more sustainable future, helping industry move forward with confidence, resilience, and smarter engineering.

Management of Microbial Corrosion in the mining industry starts with asset owners and the teams that drive Australia’s mine sites. Knowledge of microbial corrosion can empower more informed decisions that save operating costs, reduce incidents, and ultimately lead to a safer, more productive site. 

BioTECHT is a division of TECHT specialising in Microbiologically Influenced Corrosion (MIC).

We work closely with our clients to develop tailored and innovative microbial corrosion solutions. 

Contact us to find out how we can help you.

References

Tuck, B., Watkin, E., Somers, A. Machuca L.L. A Critical Review of Marine Biofilms on Metallic Materials. npj Mater Degrad 6, 25. 2022. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41529-022-00234-4

NACE International. (n.d.). Economic impact. http://impact.nace.org/economic-impact.aspx 

Tuck, B., Salgar-Chaparro, S. J., Watkin, E., Somers, A., Forsyth, M., & Machuca, L. L. (2022). Extracellular DNA: A Critical Aspect of Marine Biofilms. Microorganisms, 10(7), 1285. https://doi.org/10.3390/microorganisms10071285

Tuck, B., Investigating Multispecies Biofilms on Steel Surfaces in Seawater and 

Biofilm Inhibition by a Novel, Multifunctional Inhibitor. Doctoral Thesis, Curtin University, 2022.

Tuck, B. Understanding Natural Biofilm Development in Marine Environments, A Review: Microbiologically Influenced Corrosion (MIC), Technical, Water and Wastewater Technical Group, Webinar Recordings. Australasian Corrosion Association, 2021. https://www.corrosion.com.au/understanding-natural-biofilm-development-in-marine-environments-a-review/

Standards:

Corrosion by weight loss analysis: ASTM G1-90(1999)e1, Standard Practice for Preparing, Cleaning, and Evaluating Corrosion Test Specimens https://store.astm.org/g0001-90r99e01.html 

Corrosion by weight loss analysis for oilfield applications: NACE SP0775-2023, Preparation, Installation, Analysis, and Interpretation of Corrosion Coupons in Hydrocarbon Operations

For a full list of articles by the Author: Benjamin Tuck (0000-0002-4201-9864) – My ORCID

In infrastructure, failure isn’t always immediate, it often begins quietly, at the design stage. One of the most significant threats to long-term structural performance is corrosion. Yet despite its known risks, corrosion mitigation is often addressed too late in the project lifecycle, when repair costs are high and asset integrity is already compromised.

In this post, we explore how future-proofing your infrastructure against corrosion starts with intelligent, durable design. We’ll walk through the role of durable material selection, corrosion management information, and how construction quality assurance can help engineers and asset managers avoid the costliest consequences of corrosion before the first slab is poured.

This is especially relevant for developers, structural engineers, architects, and government bodies managing infrastructure in harsh or marine environments across Australia.

Why Design Matters in Corrosion Mitigation

Corrosion isn’t just a material issue, it’s a design issue. Inadequate detailing, poor material choices, or failure to assess environmental conditions can all lead to early deterioration. Many large-scale failures stem from overlooked risks during the concept or design phase.

Common design flaws that contribute to corrosion:

• Inadequate cover for reinforced concrete
• Poor detailing that allows water ingress
• Incorrect fastener or fixture specification
• Lack of understanding of corrosivity zones (e.g., coastal vs inland)
• Using incompatible materials together

The increase in the cost associated with overlooking these common issues has been summarised in de Sitter’s “Law of Fives”, which states that “one dollar spent in Initial Design and Construction equals $5 in Preventive Maintenance equals $25 in Repairs and Maintenance equals $125 in Major Repairs and Renovations”

As de Sitter stated, these values should not be taken exactly, but rather point out where attention must be focused, i.e., initial design and construction, and preventive maintenance (inspections, coating application, etc.). Hence, proactively integrating corrosion management information into the design process gives projects the best chance at long-term performance, reduced maintenance, and lifecycle cost savings.

The Importance of Corrosivity Assessment

Three elements are taken into consideration when designing a new plant or infrastructure: environmental corrosivity,  material selection, and design and construction methods. So, before selecting materials or committing to a design, understanding the corrosive environment is critical. TECHT provides corrosivity assessments that consider:

• Environmental exposure categories (e.g., marine, industrial)
• Site-specific humidity, salinity, and rainfall
• Previous failure data in the area
• Corrosion rate modeling over time

These insights are used to produce Service Life Calculations, aligning with industry standards and providing clear expectations for asset durability.

Explore our corrosivity assessment services.

What Is a Durability Plan and Why Do You Need One?

A Durability Plan breaks down your project into different environments and identifies the individual corrosion risks each component faces. This tailored analysis results in a clear roadmap for:

• Detailing changes to avoid water traps or galvanic contact
• Material upgrades where required
• Specification of coatings, cathodic protection, or barriers
• Ongoing inspection and maintenance planning

By starting with a durability mindset, asset owners avoid costly remediation later and achieve greater reliability over the asset’s service life.

Consultation with stakeholders is crucial to properly discuss corrosion mechanisms

Material Testing & Specification Review

TECHT’s ArchiTECHT team conducts material testing and provides guidance on correct specification development, to ensure materials are fit for purpose in corrosive environments.

This includes:

• Laboratory analysis for chloride ingress, carbonation, and coating failure
• On-site inspection of existing materials
• Corrosion coupon testing
• Testing to AS and ISO standards

Whether you’re building near the ocean, in a high-humidity zone, or an industrial area with chemical exposure, smart specification reduces long-term risk and gives contractors clear guidance to execute your vision reliably.

Construction Quality Assurance & Control

Even the best designs can fail without proper execution. That’s why TECHT supports projects through construction with:

• Independent QA/QC inspection services
• Specification compliance checks
• Rapid issue resolution on-site
• Documentation for asset lifecycle maintenance

Our construction quality assurance services close the loop between design and performance, ensuring the corrosion mitigation strategies put on paper are delivered in the field.

Poor QA/QC can mean issues can develop unchecked.

Future-Proofing Starts with Design

If you want long-lasting, low-maintenance infrastructure, don’t wait until corrosion appears, design against it from day one. 

From corrosivity assessments to specification reviews and QA/QC support, TECHT helps you deliver durable infrastructure backed by engineering intelligence.

Learn more about our approach to durable design engineering and corrosion mitigation on the ArchiTECHT service page, or contact TECHT to speak with a corrosion and durability specialist.

Implementation of IoT systems and software aims to streamline and simplify workflows

The good news is that technologies and strategies behind corrosion testing are rapidly evolving.

So if you manage critical infrastructure or long-life assets, understanding the latest corrosion testing insights is vital. In this post, we explore what’s changing, why it matters, and how TECHT is helping clients across Australia make smarter decisions through data-driven testing and analysis.

Why Corrosion Testing Matters More Than Ever

Globally, corrosion is estimated to cost around 3–4% of GDP, and in Australia, that translates to tens of billions of dollars in annual losses due to asset degradation, premature failure, and reactive maintenance. With harsh environments and long-distance infrastructure, the Australian market has unique challenges that make proactive corrosion management essential.

Testing provides clarity on:

• Material performance in real-world conditions
• The effectiveness of corrosion protection systems
• Early detection of microbiologically influenced corrosion (MIC)
• Quality assurance during construction or refurbishment

Whether you’re managing pipelines, tanks, bridges, or marine structures, testing data is the foundation of smarter asset decisions.

Emerging Trends in Corrosion Testing

1. A Focus on Microbiologically Influenced Corrosion (MIC)

MIC is now recognised as a major cause of hidden corrosion, especially in water, wastewater, oil and gas production, and marine assets. Testing now includes:

• Microbial and DNA sampling and preservation
• MIC diagnosis
• Biomonitoring: ATP, MPN, and Molecular analysis.
• Biofilm detection
• Biocide effectiveness
• MIC coupon exposure monitoring

Explore our MIC Service.

2. Corrosion Coupon Analysis

This method is growing in popularity for its affordability and long-term data value. Coupons can help track:

• Baseline corrosion rates
• Effectiveness of mitigation programs
• MIC-related deterioration

TECHT’s corrosion lab offers coupon testing aligned to AMPP SP0775-2013 and AMPP TM0212-2018 standards.

3. Coating Performance & QA

With more infrastructure using advanced coatings, protective paint, and disbondment testing are now core requirements. Our Perth-based laboratory conducts:

• Adhesion strength testing
• Cathodic disbondment tests
• Resistance to salt spray, moisture, and UV

Learn more about our DeTECHT corrosion engineering services.

4. Corrosion Testing for Performance Validation

As industries demand longer asset lifespans and lower maintenance costs, validating material performance under real-world conditions has become essential. At TECHT, our corrosion testing capabilities provide critical insights for engineers and asset managers.

Our laboratory offers:

• Immersion testing and corrosion analysis: rates and mechanisms.
• Electrochemical testing (LPR, EIS, CV)
• Corrosion inhibitor testing
• Under-deposit corrosion testing
• Accelerated weathering and aging simulations
• Pitting and crevice corrosion testing

These tests simulate harsh environments to assess the durability of coatings, base materials, welds, and fixings. The results support smarter material selection, design refinement, and long-term integrity planning, and is particularly important in sectors like mining, marine infrastructure, and transport.

5. Failure Investigation and Root Cause Analysis

When corrosion-related failures occur, they often carry high financial, safety, and reputational consequences. That’s why TECHT provides independent failure investigation services to identify what went wrong, and how to prevent it from happening again.

We investigate issues such as:

• Coating delamination or blistering
• Unexpected substrate corrosion beneath protective layers
• MIC-induced material degradation
• Specification or surface preparation non-compliance

Our process combines physical inspection, laboratory testing, and historical/environmental analysis to determine the root cause, document the failure, and recommend practical, engineering-backed solutions. This helps clients build better systems, improve QA/QC processes, and reduce repeat failures.

6. Concrete Durability in Corrosive Environments

From mining to marine, reinforced concrete is vulnerable to:

• Chloride ingress
• Carbonation
• Alkali–silica reaction (ASR)

We support engineers and designers with concrete testing that aligns with durability planning and lifecycle modeling strategies.

Why TECHT’s Laboratory is Different

Situated in Technology Park, Bentley (WA), TECHT’s state-of-the-art laboratory showcases cutting-edge facilities and unparalleled technical expertise from leading corrosion scientists and consultants. Our laboratory is designed for:

• Corrosion testing to Australian & ISO standards
• Biofilm and MIC investigations
• Durability assessments for coatings, concrete, and metals
• Compliance with PC2 laboratory conditions (AS/NZS 2982)

We support government bodies, asset managers, engineers, and contractors with local expertise, rapid turnaround, and tailored interpretation, not just raw results.

Whether you’re planning a new project, investigating failure, trying to improve asset performance, or want to stay compliant with standards and QA – Corrosion testing is no longer optional. It’s a strategic investment in extending asset life, reducing risk, and increasing return.

Ready to take the next step?

• Contact us for a corrosion test with TECHT
• Learn more about our laboratory & testing services
• Explore corrosion engineering solutions

At TECHT, we’ve worked alongside leading WA mine sites to develop staged corrosion management frameworks that ensure critical infrastructure remains reliable, safe, and compliant throughout the mine’s full life.

Below, we highlight three essential factors to consider when establishing a corrosion management system, based on real-world experience in mining environments, but applicable across many industries where integrity matters.

1. Issue Capture and Asset Ownership

A corrosion management system is only as effective as its ability to identify and prioritise issues.

The first step is ensuring that all personnel (whether employees, contractors, or site visitors), can report corrosion-related issues easily and that those reports are directed to the appropriate asset owner.

However, many sites suffer from fragmented systems where ownership of assets spans multiple departments, creating gaps in accountability. Establishing a clear process for ownership and issue allocation is crucial for successful long-term planning and reliability.

2. Control Through a Stepped Process

Once issues are identified, a structured and repeatable process ensures that remediation is prioritised, costed, and scheduled effectively. This is where TECHT’s methodical and data-backed frameworks prove valuable.

A typical corrosion management strategy should include:

• A condition monitoring regime or corrosion audit to identify and quantify issues
• Risk assessments based on safety, production, and environmental impact
• Prioritisation using a criticality matrix (likelihood vs. consequence)
• An integrity strategy to plan repairs according to available resources
• Technical scoping of repair methods to ensure the best return on investment
• Incorporation of QA/QC protocols and documentation
• Alignment with environmental and safety regulations, such as the Cyanide Management Code
• Ongoing benchmarking and data collection for continuous improvement

This “Goldilocks” approach ensures the right amount is spent in the right place, and prevents both over-engineering and under-protection.

3. Effective Contractor Management

Even with a solid strategy, execution can falter without proper contractor oversight. Issues often arise from incomplete documentation, vague scopes, and inconsistent expectations.

To ensure consistent outcomes:

• Standardise scoping documents, QA/QC forms, and technical specifications
• Use proformas that can be adapted quickly for unplanned works
• Provide accurate documentation to reduce ambiguity during repairs
• Assign supervision and a clear point of contact to support contractor performance

Having a robust contractor management plan leads to fewer surprises, higher-quality repairs, and better outcomes under both planned and emergency conditions.

Why a Corrosion Management System Matters

Corrosion in infrastructure like concrete and structural steel often progresses quietly and slowly, making it easy to overlook until it becomes critical. Unlike mobile or mechanical assets, these items require a modified reliability system to ensure they remain serviceable throughout their intended lifespan.

By implementing a corrosion management system that is methodical, logical, and quantitative, organisations can not only maintain regulatory compliance but significantly improve economic performance, safety, and asset life.

Need Help Setting Up Your Corrosion Management Strategy?

At TECHT, our team of corrosion engineers and condition monitoring specialists work with mining and industrial clients across Australia to build, refine, and implement comprehensive asset integrity frameworks.

Explore our corrosion management services or Get in touch with TECHT to discuss your site-specific integrity challenges.

Download our Setting up a Corrosion Management System 3 Points To Consider.pdf

In Australia, where industries such as mining, oil and gas, transportation, and infrastructure are prominent, effective corrosion mitigation practices are essential for minimising environmental impact and preserving natural resources.

This blog explores the importance of corrosion mitigation in reducing environmental harm, highlighting Australian practices and the substantial benefits they offer in terms of cost savings, environmental stewardship, and enhanced productivity.

The Environmental Impact of Corrosion

Corrosion-related failures can result in environmental pollution, habitat destruction, and resource depletion. Leaks, spills, and emissions from corroded equipment and structures can contaminate soil, water bodies, and air, leading to adverse effects on ecosystems and human health.

Moreover, the extraction and production of materials for corrosion repairs contribute to carbon emissions and resource consumption, exacerbating environmental degradation.

Australian Corrosion Mitigation Practices

Australian industries have made significant strides in adopting corrosion mitigation strategies to minimise environmental impact.

These practices include:

1. Protective Coatings: Utilising advanced coatings and surface treatments to protect metal structures from corrosion, thereby extending their lifespan and reducing the need for frequent replacements.
   
2. Cathodic Protection: Implementing cathodic protection systems to prevent corrosion of buried or submerged metallic assets, such as pipelines and storage tanks, by controlling electrochemical reactions.
   
3. Asset Monitoring and Maintenance: Regular inspection, monitoring, and maintenance of assets to detect corrosion early, address potential issues promptly, and optimise performance while minimising environmental risks.
   
4. Sustainable Materials Selection: Choosing corrosion-resistant materials and sustainable alternatives during the design and construction phase to minimise environmental footprint and lifecycle impacts.
   
5. Corrosion Prevention Training: Providing employees with training and education on corrosion prevention best practices, safety protocols, and environmental compliance to ensure responsible handling and maintenance of assets.

Benefits of Corrosion Mitigation

Effective corrosion mitigation not only safeguards the environment but also delivers tangible benefits to businesses and communities. Some of the key advantages include:

1. Cost Savings: By reducing corrosion-related failures, downtime, and maintenance costs, businesses can achieve significant cost savings over the long term, enhancing profitability and competitiveness.
   
2. Environmental Protection: Minimising the release of harmful substances into the environment and conserving natural resources contribute to sustainable development and environmental stewardship.
   
3. Regulatory Compliance: Compliance with environmental regulations and standards is essential for maintaining operational licenses, securing public trust, and avoiding penalties or litigation associated with environmental violations.
   
4. Enhanced Productivity: Reliable, corrosion-free assets operate more efficiently, delivering consistent performance, higher uptime, and improved productivity, thereby supporting economic growth and prosperity.
   
5. Reputation and Stakeholder Confidence: Demonstrating a commitment to environmental responsibility and sustainability enhances corporate reputation, fosters stakeholder trust, and attracts investment opportunities.

Corrosion mitigation plays a crucial role in reducing environmental impact, protecting natural resources, and promoting sustainable development in Australia and beyond.

By adopting proactive corrosion management practices and embracing innovative technologies, industries can minimise their ecological footprint, optimise resource utilisation, and create a more resilient and environmentally responsible future.

Together, through collective efforts and collaboration, we can mitigate corrosion’s environmental effects and build a greener, cleaner, and more sustainable world for generations to come.

As we strive to minimise the environmental impact of corrosion, industries must embrace proactive mitigation strategies and sustainable practices. 

To learn more about how TECHT can help your organisation implement effective corrosion mitigation solutions tailored to your needs, contact us today. Together, let’s build a greener, more sustainable future for our planet.