Desert mine site drainage

My role involved modelling the integration of a processing facility with a beneficiation plant at Mine Site in the Australian desert. This project was under the scrutiny of the Northern Territory Environmental Protection Authority (NT EPA) for compliance with the Environment Protection Act 2019, necessitating an update of the Mine Site Surface Water Management Plan (SWMP) and Drainage, Erosion, and Sediment Control Plan (DESCP).

A meticulous understanding of the site's geography and hydrology was crucial for this role. To address this, I utilised TUFLOW modelling results to identify all surface water features within the project and surrounding areas, anticipating changes to surface water regimes due to the proposed mine development. This process required careful consideration of the benefits and risks associated with various design solutions for the project.

Furthermore, I was responsible for identifying and assessing the risks to surface water from the Processing project. By maintaining clear and comprehensive communication, I ensured all flooding risks were recognised and included in the planning process to meet the expectations of both internal and external stakeholders.

Using these assessments, I recommended management and monitoring strategies to mitigate potential risks. This included creating a post-development hydraulic model with mine site infrastructure and flood protection levee bund, defining the required mine pit flood protection levees and minimum height design, and assessing any effect on the existing hydrology of the Creek.

Through careful resource planning, scheduling, and understanding the impacts of design decisions, I contributed significantly to the successful integration of the processing facility with the beneficiation plant. The updated SWMP and DESCP effectively protected surface water resources, ensuring environmental safety and achieving the standards required for government approvals.