Abstract
The management of heap leach facilities (HLFs) is a critical aspect of sustainable mining operations. Seepage control is key in optimizing the production of mineral extraction and drainage systems, and it is also a crucial component in ensuring environmental protection and structural stability.
Building upon our previously developed automated modelling tool(Noël et al., 2023), which facilitated time-dependent pseudo-3D seepage analysis using Hydrus-1D, Python, and Autodesk® Dynamo®, we introduce a significant enhancement that incorporates topographic features into the seepage modelling process. This advancement allows for a more realistic representation of the HLF environment by intersecting heap leach padsvolumes with the surrounding topography.
The novel feature extends the capabilities of the existing tool by enabling the simulation of seepage through the heap leach pads as it interacts with the natural landscape. This interaction is critical for understanding how topography influences the distribution and flow of seepage, which in turn affects the design and optimization of HLF drainage systems and the assessment of potential environmental impacts.
The methodology involves: i) integrating detailed topographic data into the discretization process of the HLF shape in both space and time; ii) analyzing the interaction between the heap leach pads and the topography to assess changes in seepage patterns; iii) computing the modified time-dependent total seepage over the entire base of the HLF and the variation of the water entrained by the heaps, considering the topographic constraints.
The application of this improved modelling approach is exemplified through a theoretical case study, where a simplified analysis was previously conducted. Utilizing our enhanced tool, we will intersect the topography with the HLF to validate and analyze the results.
This case study not only validates the tool but also illustrates the practical implications of incorporating topographic data into seepage modelling. The tool also supports the evaluation of seepage in various types of waste containment facilities, including waste rock dumps (WRD), tailings storage facilities (TSF), and co-disposal sites.
Authors
Imanol Vega (Presenter), Geotechnical Engineer | SRK Argentina
Ariel Terlisky, Senior Geotechnical Engineer | SRK Argentina
Michel Noël, Principal Geotechnical Engineer | SRK Canada
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