Abstract
Mine wastewater ponds are critical for managing wastewater, controlling contaminants and protecting surrounding ecosystems from potential pollution. However, these ponds often lose their original capacity and treatment functionality over time due to sludge accumulation. As a result, mine operators face significant challenges in maintaining ponds that can no longer effectively treat wastewater. The first essential step toward restoring these ponds to optimal capacity is accurately assessing what lies beneath the surface.
This presentation addresses the unique challenges of assessing mine wastewater and tailings ponds and outlines industry best practices in sludge and sediment quantification that can be used to develop dredging plans and budgets. A comprehensive approach that utilizes a variety of data collection and analysis methods is essential for achieving accurate, actionable assessments. These methods include:
- Bathymetric surveying to measure water depth and sludge accumulation and distribution.
- Sludge analysis to determine the physical composition of sludge and identify contaminants.
- Aerial photogrammetry to develop 3D models of wastewater facilities, assessing flood capacity and planning for dredge and dewatering laydown requirements.
- Topographic surveying to map surrounding land elevations and pond contours, identifying low-lying areas of concern.
- GIS mapping to integrate spatial data for visualization and analysis.
By combining these techniques, mine wastewater managers and operators can gain a precise understanding of conditions that are hidden beneath the water. Through case studies of wastewater ponds, this presentation provides real-world examples of how these methods have been applied successfully, offering a roadmap for operators to restore pond capacity and maintain environmental compliance.