Powering Progress in the Outback: Ozzi Kleen Delivers 1,000 EP Wastewater System for Earnest Henry Mine New

When it comes to tackling big challenges in even bigger landscapes, Ozzi Kleen has long made a name for itself as a bold, reliable, and innovative force in wastewater treatment. In 2024, that reputation reached new heights in the red heart of Queensland’s mining country.

Nestled just outside Cloncurry, the Earnest Henry Mine needed more than just a water treatment solution—it needed a system built to thrive in the kind of remote, unforgiving environment that would send most operations packing. Ozzi Kleen answered the call with its largest and most technical commercial build yet: a 1,000 Equivalent Person (EP) wastewater treatment plant, constructed entirely on-site with minimal outside involvement.

What unfolded was not only a masterclass in engineering but a testament to 30 years of trust, capability, and commitment in Australia’s most challenging terrain.

A Legacy of Innovation and Service

The relationship between Earnest Henry Mine and Ozzi Kleen spans three decades. Back in 1994, Ozzi Kleen designed and installed a 400 EP system—the very first wastewater plant on-site. As the mine grew, so did the systems: in 2010, a 600 EP upgrade followed, then a 700 EP system in 2017.

By 2024, with increasing demand and a drive toward self-sufficiency, the mine required something far more substantial. The brief was clear: deliver a high-capacity, durable, and fully independent system—without compromising on quality or timelines.

Ozzi Kleen’s answer? A brand-new 1,000 EP wastewater treatment plant—designed, built, transported, and commissioned from the ground up with zero reliance on third-party vendors. That’s right—everything was built in-house. Every pipe. Every panel. Every line of code.

Five Months. One Vision. Zero Compromise.

From concept to commissioning, the Earnest Henry project came together in just five months—a timeline made even more impressive by the remote location and extreme climate.

Approximately 80% of the system was prefabricated at Ozzi Kleen’s Sunshine Coast headquarters, including control rooms, walkways, gantries, electrical panels, and plumbing assemblies. Then came the massive logistical feat: transporting it all more than 700 kilometres inland to Cloncurry.

Once on-site, the real work began. Over three months, the Ozzi Kleen team brought the project to life—building the remaining components from raw materials, installing every element, and commissioning the entire system without delay. No outside contractors. No holdups. Just relentless teamwork and technical precision.

Meet the Crew Behind the Build

This wasn’t just any crew—it was a handpicked team of Ozzi Kleen veterans with over 100 years of combined experience. Each person brought invaluable expertise, strong work ethic, and a shared determination to see the project through.

• Michael Blee – General Manager / Electrician / Integration Engineer (30 years)

• Darren Larsen – Domestic Service Supervisor (25 years)

• Greg McDonald – Small Commercial Supervisor (14 years)

• Luke Wall – Electrical Manager (14 years)

• Harvie Blee – Electrician (Apprentice) (3 years)

• Troy – Site Support (1 year)

• Niles & George – Electricians (1st Year)

Together, this crew lived and worked onsite—braving 12-hour days, seven days a week, in true Aussie grit-and-grind style. The only break? A well-earned two-week rest over Christmas.

Life on Site: Extreme Conditions, Unbreakable Team

Working in the Mount Isa region is no walk in the park. The team faced relentless heat, torrential rains, and sticky red clay that clings to boots and machinery alike. Combine that with strict mine safety protocols—think full PPE every day—and it becomes clear: this job wasn’t for the faint-hearted.

Some team members took 20-hour mine-spec vehicle drives to reach the site, while others flew in and out as needed. Accommodations were standard mine camps, but the camaraderie was anything but standard.

The crew shared meals, celebrated a pre-Christmas dinner together, and leaned on one another through every long day. In the face of fatigue and the elements, team spirit was their greatest asset.

Logistics Done Right: Thanks to Morgan’s Transport

Any project of this scale hinges on the smooth delivery of materials. For that, Ozzi Kleen partnered with the reliable and professional team at Morgan’s Transport.

Using multiple B-double trucks, Morgan’s delivered all critical infrastructure and prefabricated components on time and without a hitch—a key factor in keeping the project on schedule. 

A heartfelt thank you goes out to Morgan’s Transport for their efficiency, care, and commitment to service.

Built From the Ground Up – By Us, For You

What truly sets this project apart is Ozzi Kleen’s vertically integrated approach. While other companies outsource major components, Ozzi Kleen takes a different route: we build everything ourselves.

Control panels? Check. Tanks and plumbing? Check. Electrical systems, walkways, support structures? You guessed it—check.

This in-house model eliminates third-party delays and quality concerns, delivering seamless performance across all elements of the system. It’s rare. It’s bold. And it’s exactly how Ozzi Kleen continues to exceed expectations in remote commercial builds.

A Continuing Story of Success

From the humble 400 EP beginnings in 1994 to today’s state-of-the-art 1,000 EP system, Ozzi Kleen has grown alongside the Earnest Henry Mine—meeting every challenge with smart engineering, operational grit, and unwavering commitment to client needs.

This isn’t just another project. It’s a living legacy—proof that Ozzi Kleen doesn’t just deliver wastewater systems; we deliver trust, continuity, and results that speak for themselves.

From the Coast to the Core of the Country

Ozzi Kleen’s work at Earnest Henry is more than a commercial success—it’s a statement. It says that no location is too remote, no conditions too harsh, and no brief too complex when you combine engineering excellence with a can-do Aussie spirit.

Whether it’s a small domestic system or a 1,000 EP commercial titan, Ozzi Kleen builds it better—from design to delivery, from foundation to finish.

If you’re looking for a wastewater treatment partner that delivers every time, in every condition—look no further.

Ozzi Kleen: Built to Perform. Built by Us.