Closure of Large-scale Heap Leach Dump
Location
Arizona, USA
Client
Confidential
Project Description
GSA conducted field and laboratory physical, hydraulic, and geochemical property testing on potential evapotranspiration cover material to be used for reclamation of a copper heap leach facility. Field and laboratory testing results were implemented in unsaturated flow models to predict net percolation for the different cover design scenarios. Additionally, cover material erosion modeling was performed to evaluate resistance to erosion under side-slope design scenarios. The results from the study supported decisions on the suitability of the proposed cover borrow sources to reduce net percolation and the final cover design thickness.
Project Highlights
- Design and implementation of material characterization program to identify potential cover material borrow source
- Unsaturated flow modeling to evaluate net percolation from different cover system alternatives
- Erosion modeling to evaluate borrow source suitability
