Uma Oya Multipurpose Development Hydropower Project
The Uma Oya Multipurpose Development Project is a large-scale infrastructure initiative in Sri Lanka designed to enhance water management, hydropower generation, and agricultural irrigation. The project diverts water from the Uma Oya River to generate 120 MW of hydroelectric power while also improving water distribution for farming in the southeastern dry regions. It includes two RCC dams, a reservoir system, and a complex network of tunnels to optimize water resources for both energy production and irrigation. Despite challenges such as environmental and tunnelling concerns, the project plays a key role in Sri Lanka’s renewable energy and water management strategy.
GEORGETOWN GOLD MINE – TSF Design for Slurry Tailings and Filtered Dry-Stack Tailings
Savannah aimed to recommence operations at the Georgetown processing plant, and GeoTails Consulting was engaged to assist in selecting a Tailings Storage Facility (TSF) to accommodate the forecasted Life of Mine (LoM) tailings production. GeoTails collaborated closely with the client to develop two tailings disposal options: conventional slurry tailings and dry-stack tailings. Additionally, GeoTails provided the necessary documentation to support the site’s Environmental Authority (EA) amendment process, ensuring compliance and regulatory approval.
GEORGETOWN GOLD MINE – Design Plan for Short-Term Tailings Disposal Management
Savannah commissioned GeoTails Consulting to develop an updated design plan, including an engineering assessment and a revised TSF operations management plan for short-term tailings management. The focus was on reconfiguring the existing TSF to support initial mine life operations while preparing for a future long-term dry-stack tailings solution. The project required a comprehensive engineering assessment of the TSF to ensure compliance with design guidelines, industry standards, and Environmental Authority (EA) conditions. This work was essential to support the client’s EA amendment application and align with regulatory requirements.
WAFI-GOLPU COPPER-GOLD UNDERGROUND MINE – Watut Portal Waste Rock Dump and Storm Water Management
The project involved comprehensive design, risk assessment, and a trade-off study to evaluate feasible mine infrastructure options for mine waste storage and clean water management in challenging terrain at the Watut Portal site in Papua New Guinea. The scope included the development of clean water diversion strategies, the design of a decline portal terrace, and a waste rock dump including PAF (Potentially Acid Forming) waste. Additionally, the project featured a detailed risk assessment and trade-off study to guide the client in selecting the most suitable infrastructure options.
DAM SAFETY INSPECTIONS
The operational procedures for the tailings storage facility (TSF) and mine water storage must include provisions for continuous surveillance, which entails regular inspections, monitoring, and evaluations, along with thorough documentation. In Queensland, regulated structures are required to undergo an annual inspection and a dam safety review conducted by a suitably qualified and experienced engineer prior to the onset of the wet season. According to the Australian National Committee on Large Dams (ANCOLD) guidelines, TSF owners are recommended to perform a comprehensive dam safety inspection upon initial filling of the dam. Subsequent inspections should occur every two to five years, based on the facility’s hazard rating, with annual intermediate inspections to ensure ongoing safety and compliance.
HILLGROVE GOLD MINE – Independent Review of Consequence Category Assessment of Hillgrove TSF1 and TSF2
The NSW Dam Safety Regulation requires owners of declared dams to have their consequence category assessed by a competent professional, in accordance with the methodology specified in the NSW Dam Safety Act. Red River Resources engaged GeoTails to conduct an independent review of the Consequence Category Assessment (CCA) for two Tailings Storage Facilities (TSFs) at the Hillgrove Gold Mine, specifically TSF1 and TSF2, which are regulated as declared dams.
