Xstrata undertook a feasibility study for a greenfield copper mine and related infrastructure in Sandaun and East Sepik Provinces, Papua New Guinea. The deposit lies in rugged, jungle-covered upland terrain where the Ok Ewai and Nena rivers form the Frieda River. SRK led the tailings and waste containment design components of the study, assessing the hydrogeological conditions, and the infiltration rate from the proposed tailings pond and seepage under the dams. SRK inspected the site in September 2010, and March 2011 to review third party drilling and testing. SRK analysed and interpreted data, undertook numerical modelling to assess the infiltration rate and recommended additional works before the construction stage.
