SRK is currently providing engineer of record, operations and construction support (including CQA) for a planned 6 Mm3, 50 meter high co-disposal (waste rock and filtered tailings) dry-stack tailings storage facility for the Zijin Buritica Gold Mine in Antioquia, Colombia.
Detailed design work initially performed by SRK North America included a sequencing plan consistent with the mine plan and detailed evaluation of geotechnical stability and geologic-seismic hazards, as well as hydrologic hazards in the steep valley site.
Since 2015, project support has included PFS/FS design, costing and EIS permitting support, close interface with EPCM’s and the larger project team to advance the project, as well as risk assessment and risk management plan.
The dry-stack construction started mid-2019. During construction of the drystack, SRK’s Colombia operation has also provided continuous support on site for independent QA/QC activities, including overseeing of earthworks to comply with project specifications and required in situ testing, geogrid installation, geomembrane deployment and installation including destructive and non destructive testing, construction of water management structures for contact and non contacted water and supervising placement and compaction of waste rock and filtered tailings as per specifications.
Challenges included risks associated with the steep (Andes) topography, landsliding hazards, high precipitation, tailings dewatering, materials handling and placement, surface water management (potential for debris flows in major drainages) and high seismic shaking hazards.
