Background
A Western Australian gold mine implemented a care and maintenance program to reduce particulate movement from its 100-hectare tailings dam.
Challenge
The tailings dam required a long-term dust suppression solution that could be applied in a single application and provide stabilisation for six to twelve months.
The site presented several challenges, including an arid environment, high wind exposure, hydrophobic and light fraction fines, and the need for long-lasting control. These were further compounded by a history of unsuccessful dust control methods, where previous chemical applications failed within six months.
The tailings surface possessed a consistency of light hydrophobic material that was highly susceptible to wind erosion, with some areas already breaching the dam perimeter.
Solution
Vital Chemical provided a site assessment of the tailings dam and recommended a five per cent application of its Vital Bon-Matt Stonewall erosion and sediment control solution.
The recommendation was based on the site’s environmental challenges, with the tailored dilution rate set to provide an efficient and cost-effective long-term dust control plan for the required period.
Vital Bon-Matt Stonewall’s renowned polymer technology enabled effective binding and stabilisation of hydrophobic and light fraction fines, essential for controlling fugitive tailings.
Vital Chemical’s team of technical experts delivered onsite product and application training to the project team and oversaw the full application process to ensure operational efficiency and compliance with project requirements.
Vital Bon-Matt Stonewall was transferred into the site’s water cart using a Vital Chemical mine-specific transfer pump and applied at the recommended application rate with mine water.
The dust suppression solution was then distributed across the dam surface using a standard 20,000-litre site water cart.
Result
The application of Vital Bon-Matt Stonewall at the tailings dam enabled the client to achieve effective dust control over the expected six to twelve-month period.
The project team expressed satisfaction with the overall delivery and results, and the dust suppression solution was subsequently replicated across the client’s other project sites.
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