|
|
RGC: Project Experience
Brenda Mine
British Columbia, Canada
- Client:
- Brenda Mines Ltd.
- Years of Service:
- 1989 to 1993
- Project Description:
- Between 1970 and 1990 approximately 180 million tons of very
low grade copper and molybdenum were mined @ 30,000 tpd from an
open pit mine, processed by floatation to produce a concentrate
and the tailings deposited in a cross valley tailings impoundment
constructed by the centerline method. Approximately 200 million
tons of waste rock had been generated during open pit mining.
Both the waste rock and tailings contained both sulphides and
calcite and while they were not acid generating, oxidation
of the sulphides in circum neutral to alkali conditions resulted
in the leaching of molybdenum. The mine closed in 1989 and a closure
plan was required.
- Services Provided:
- Dr. Robertson was the project principal for SRK who were retained
to do the mine waste and tailings characterization, contaminated
leaching studies, and develop appropriate remediation and control
measures and an overall closure plan. Site investigation measures
included drilling, sampling and testing for both waste material
geochemical characterization, acid generation and leaching studies;
contaminant plume investigations and characterization, site
hydrology determination, assessment of the stability of all structures
and identification and evaluation of remediation construction materials.
Design activities included the modelling of all surface flows and
contaminant leaching, including long term leaching, the evaluation
and design of alternative control measures including covers,
resloping, relocation, collection and treatment of contaminated
water, downstream environmental impacts assessments. Extensive
detailed closure plans and reports were prepared and there was
extensive participation in meetings and negotiations with all
levels of the Provincial Regulations Authorities.
| |
