Overview
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.
Challenge
The key challenge was to safely reprocess old tailings located adjacent to the existing TSF embankment while simultaneously depositing new tailings within an internal cell of the current TSF. Limited space and freeboard posed significant constraints, necessitating strict management of tailings deposition and regulatory freeboard requirements throughout the short-term operation, particularly at the onset of the wet season within the combined TSF. Additionally, ensuring the continuity of Georgetown Plant production required securing additional tailings storage capacity. Addressing these challenges demanded innovative tailings and water management strategies that aligned with the site's long-term tailings management plan, balancing operational efficiency, safety, and regulatory compliance.
Solution
The structural stability of the tailings dam was thoroughly reviewed, considering various operational scenarios and loading conditions to ensure both the safe removal of existing tailings and validation against stability criteria. Accurate estimation of tailings dry density was essential for determining storage capacity, optimizing storage life for short-term management, and planning for future TSF expansion. This estimation utilized existing operational data and TSF storage records. To comply with regulatory freeboard requirements while maximizing storage efficiency, a comprehensive review was conducted to optimize tailings deposition and surface water management. Furthermore, an Operations, Maintenance, and Surveillance (OMS) Manual was developed to reflect the current conditions of the TSF, providing clear procedures for day-to-day management to achieve safety and performance objectives.
Client
Savannah Goldfields
Location
Australia, QLD
Date
2022
