Most structural failures on mining plant start as cracks that were detectable well before they became critical. Non-destructive testing finds them: surface-breaking cracks at weld toes, subsurface lack of fusion in repair welds, wall loss in pressure vessels and fatigue cracking in pins and bores.
We apply magnetic particle, ultrasonic, phased array, penetrant and visual methods where they are fit for purpose, and report indications against the acceptance criteria of the governing standard rather than a generic pass or fail. Where an indication needs engineering judgement, it is handed directly to our engineering assurance service.
Equipment we inspect
Inspection scope
- Magnetic particle testing (MT)
- Surface and near-surface crack detection on ferromagnetic welds and parent material — the primary method for boom, frame and crane structure weld toes.
- Ultrasonic testing (UT) and phased array (PAUT)
- Volumetric examination of full-penetration welds, in-situ pin inspection and wall thickness measurement for corrosion assessment.
- Penetrant testing (PT)
- Surface crack detection on non-ferromagnetic components such as aluminium platforms and stainless process components.
- Visual and dimensional inspection
- Weld profile, deformation, corrosion, bolted connection and alignment checks that precede and direct method-based testing.
- Pressure equipment in-service inspection
- External and internal inspection of vessels, air receivers and piping to AS/NZS 3788.
- Fixed structures
- Conveyor gantries, bins, chutes, walkways and platforms, with reference to AS 4100, AS 3990 and AS 1657.
What you receive
- Method-specific NDT reports stating technique, equipment, calibration, sensitivity and acceptance standard
- Indication maps and sizing for each recordable indication
- Thickness survey data and corrosion allowance comparison for vessels and structures
- Recommendation on repair, monitoring interval or engineering assessment
- Post-repair verification reports closing out each indication
Applicable standards and regulations
| Reference | Title | Relevance |
|---|---|---|
| ISO 9712 / AINDT | Non-destructive testing — Qualification and certification of NDT personnel | Personnel certification framework for MT, UT, PT and PAUT practitioners in Australia. |
| AS/NZS 1554.1 and 1554.5 | Structural steel welding | Weld quality categories and acceptance criteria for statically and fatigue-loaded structures. |
| AS 2207 | Non-destructive testing — Ultrasonic testing of fusion welded joints in carbon and low alloy steel | Technique and acceptance basis for UT of structural welds. |
| AS 1171 | Non-destructive testing — Magnetic particle testing of ferromagnetic products, components and structures | Technique requirements for MT. |
| AS 2062 | Non-destructive testing — Penetrant testing of products and components | Technique requirements for PT. |
| AS/NZS 3788 | Pressure equipment — In-service inspection | Inspection scope, intervals and competency for pressure equipment in service. |
| AS 4100 and AS 3990 | Steel structures; Mechanical equipment — Steelwork | Design basis against which structural condition and fatigue findings are assessed. |
Evidence base for procurement
Public sources · reviewed 19 Sep 2026These regulator and standards sources provide the public basis for the inspection context on this page. They describe requirements and application context; they do not claim that Mining Inspection Australia holds a qualification, accreditation or project history.
Safe Work Australia
Risk controls, regular inspection and testing, repair or replacement of plant, and the records that support those controls.
Standards Australia Store
The qualification and certification framework for personnel performing non-destructive testing. This is not evidence of any individual’s certification.
Typical findings
- Toe cracking in boom and stick box-section welds not visible under paint
- Lack of fusion and porosity in undocumented field repair welds
- Cracked pin bosses and bore wear beyond OEM limits
- Wall loss in air receivers and water tanks below the required corrosion allowance
- Fatigue cracks at conveyor stringer and gantry bracing connections
- Corroded walkway grating supports and handrail stanchion bases
When to inspect
- Visible cracking, paint disturbance or unusual noise reported by operators
- Scheduled structural inspection intervals for high-hours plant
- After a repair weld, to verify the repair before return to service
- Pressure vessel inspection due dates under AS/NZS 3788
- Change of duty, modification or extension of design life
Frequently asked questions
Which NDT method is right for my equipment?
For steel welds on mobile plant, MT is the first choice for surface cracks and UT or phased array for internal defects and pins. PT is used on non-magnetic material. Thickness surveys use UT. We select the method by material, defect type of concern and access, and state the reasoning in the report.
Can NDT be done on site?
Yes. MT, UT, PT and PAUT are all field-portable. Surfaces need to be cleaned to bare metal at test locations, and the machine must be isolated and positioned for access, which we agree with site beforehand.
Who is qualified to perform the testing?
NDT should be performed and reported by personnel certified to ISO 9712 (administered in Australia by AINDT) at Level 2 or above in the specific method. Reports identify the technician and certification held.
What happens if an indication is found?
The indication is sized and recorded against the acceptance criteria of the governing standard. Rejectable indications are reported with a recommended action — repair, monitor or engineering assessment — and re-tested after any repair.