Background
SGME was engaged to develop a strategy, prepare a closure plan and commission eight columns (the column trials) to verify the preferred cover option for a tailings storage facility (TSF) based on landform evolution modelling. The mine is an underground copper mine in central western New South Wales.
Objective
A cover system is required for surface treatment of the TSF. How the cover will evolve over time is critical to its long-term performance and the sustainability of the rehabilitated landform.
Solution
SGME’s approach to cover and landform design involves a comprehensive series of steps aimed at ensuring effectiveness and long-term sustainability of mine waste management. We began with geochemical characterisation and a cover option analysis before meticulously assessing materials for suitability in rehabilitating the TSF and recommending viable options for further evaluation.
Next, we constructed a series of eight instrumented columns to allow us to monitor key parameters such as rainfall infiltration, infiltration storage and seepage. This provided valuable data over a seven-month period from which we developed a calibrated numerical model. The model was used to predict cover performance under varying conditions while ensuring compliance with regulatory standards and minimisation of environmental impacts.
Finally, we used Water Erosion Prediction Project, a continuous simulation program developed by the United States Department of Agriculture’s Agricultural Research Service, for erosion rate estimation and landform evolution modelling. This program facilitates simulating landscape changes over centuries, identifying erosion areas and predicting long-term sustainability of potential cover and landform designs.
Through these methods, we not only assess erosion rates and potential failure points but also simulate landscape evolution over centuries, and provide insights into long-term sustainability and mitigation of adverse impacts. SGME’s expertise and systematic approach ensure that cover and landform designs are not only effective but also contribute to enduring environmental protection and responsible mining practices.
SGME enhances cover and landform design through expertise in soil chemistry, physics, unsaturated soil mechanics and environmental engineering. Our innovative use of growth media amendments, revegetation strategies and engineering solutions improves cover and landform performance, reduces environmental risks and ensures long-term stability. We take a holistic approach that considers safety, stability, sustainability, cost-effectiveness and post-mining land use capacity to develop solutions that meet regulatory requirements and support sustainable practices. SGME’s commitment to continuous improvement through ongoing learning about technological advancements, regulatory changes and industry best practices ensures our designs remain innovative and sustainable, and ensures effective solutions for mine waste management are delivered that contribute to enduring environmental protection and responsible post-mining land uses.
