Study of Slope Stability of Tailings Dam Height Expansion from Elevation (RL)2000m to RL 2035 at Hidden Valley Mine, Papua New Guinea

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Study of Slope Stability of Tailings Dam Height Expansion from Elevation (RL)2000m to RL 2035 at Hidden Valley Mine, Papua New Guinea

 This video was recorded live during Cooperative International Network for Seth Science and Technology (CINEST) in 2021. Hope you learn something here.

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Study of Slope Stability of Tailings Dam Height Expansion from Elevation (RL) 2000m to RL 2035m at Hidden Valley Mine, Papua New Guinea

 ABSTRACT

The tailings dam height expansion from the initial RL of 2000 m to 2035 m at Hamata Tailings (Dam) Storage Facility (TSF) at Hidden Valley Mine in Papua New Guinea pose some risks in terms of slope stability conditions. In this study it is proposed to analyse the TSF at four stages. i.e.RL 2000, RL 2015, RL 2025 and RL 2035. Based on the design parameters and material properties, this study utilizes Phase 2 software to analyse the slope stability conditions of the TSF. The embankment construction methodology in stage 1 is downstream whereas the other stages (2-4) are upstream method of construction. Numerical Simulation (Modeling) of the TSF is done in four stages (1-4) with three parameters, (1) Simulation without Reinforcement; (2) Simulation with Reinforcement (s); and (3) Simulation with Seismicity. Simulation result(s) that give Critical Shear Strength Reduction Factor (SRF) of 1.3 or above is/are ideal for consideration in this study. The findings in this study is somewhat useful for the mining company for future height expansion plans for the TSF and also it is helpful to government for assessment purposes for future TSF height expansion proposals. Future Researchers may analyse other safety aspects not covered in this study.

 Keywords: Tailings dam, slope stability analysis, Dam Height expansion, embankment, Shear Strength Reduction Factor(SRF), RL-Reduced Level(m), downstream construction method, Upstream Construction Method. Phase 2 Numerical Simulation, Reinforcement, Seismicity.

 

Google image of Hidden Valley TSF

Note: Full paper for this abstract  is ready and can be accessed upon request via contact form in this website.

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Slope Stability Analysis of Hamata Tailings Dam, Hidden Valley Mine, Papua New Guinea

 ABSTRACT

Construction and management of Tailing dams in Papua New Guinea (PNG) is faced with many challenges such as high altitude with high rainfall (2000-5000 mm/yr), high seismicity and structurally controlled zones which pose threat to the slope stability of tailings dams. Therefore, slope stability analysis is necessary to give confidence to some extent to the stakeholders. The location for this study is at Hamata Tailings (dam) Storage Facility (TSF) at Hidden Valley Mine in PNG which has two rock/earth filled embankments, the main dam and the saddle dam with downstream construction method. Currently the TSF owner is planning to raise the dam height from RL 2000 to RL 2015 with extra 15 Mt storage capacity as the pond water approaching its designed capacity at RL 2000. The objective of this study is to analyse the slope stability of Hamata TSF using phase 2 based on the design basics for the crest expansion from RL 2000 to RL 2015 and beyond and recommend an ideal slope stability under various conditions in terms of shear strength reduction factor ((SSRF). The results obtained in this study is useful for PNG Mining Regulators in comparing company results in the appraisals for tailings dam development proposals and, it will be useful to future researchers in PNG and other similar tropical regions.

 Keywords: Tailings dam, slope stability analysis, Hamata TSF crest expansion, embankment, Shear Strength Reduction Factor, RL-Reduced Level(m).

 

Google image of Hidden Valley TSF

Cross Section 2

Note: Full paper for this abstract  is ready and can be accessed upon request via contact form in this website.

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