Friday, 26 November 2021
Thursday, 7 October 2021
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.
Thursday, 26 November 2020
Slope Stability Analysis of Hamata Tailings Dam, Hidden Valley Mine, Papua New Guinea
Slope Stability
Analysis of Hamata Tailings Dam, Hidden Valley Mine, Papua New Guinea
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.
