The course aims to provide an introduction to geochemical modelling as it relates
to mine closure. The course will include generalised approaches, best practices and modelling pitfalls.
A key objective of this course is to provide industry professionals and regulators with the 'tools' to critically evaluate model predictions that are used to inform mine planning closure activities.
Geochemical models are required for mining projects to predict water quality for
proposed mine site closure strategies. The models are often developed at the project initiation stage to inform operational mine water and waste management decisions so that projects are designed to minimize environmental impacts at closure. The models are also used to evaluate various closure strategies to determine if additional mitigation (e.g., water treatment) is required or if 'walk away' solutions are feasible. Ultimately, the results of geochemical models have a direct impact on mine closure planning and are therefore indirectly an input to closure costing and bonding.
Due to the reliance of geochemical model predictions on key mining project design decisions, regulatory approvals and costing, it is imperative that the model results are understood and scrutinized to ensure the results are used within the constraints of the model inputs (e.g., thermodynamic databases, etc.) and assumptions and are not used to make project decisions beyond the scope of the model predictions.
This course presents an overview of geochemical modelling best practices as it
relates to modelling for closure, including conceptual and numerical model development, derivation of model inputs, sensitivity analysis, model validation and testing. The intent of this course is to provide the audience with a sufficient understanding of modelling dos and don’ts so they can appropriately review and challenge model inputs, assumptions, and results.
