Retrofitting an HDPE-lined raise over an unlined tailing facility

摘要

A gold mine, located in the Middle East, required a modification to its existing tailing storage facility to (1) reduce seepage losses from the existing unlined facility, (2) capture water being lost to seepage for use in a new heap leach operation, and (3) increase capacity. A unique aspect of this project was the founding of the 15-meter-high, HDPE-lined containment over 40 percent of the existing unlined facility. The tailing deposited in the existing facility served as the foundation for the modification and provided a smooth surface for the subsequent geosynthetic liner on both the basin and upstream embankment slopes. Sub-aerial deposition was used as the method of placing the tailing, creating a drained deposit for environmental stewardship, increased capacity, and ease of reclamation. The modified facility has been in operation since 1995. The design, construction, commissioning, and reclamation aspects of the tailing facility modification are discussed.