1600 Specht Point Road    Suite 209    Fort Collins, CO 80525    Ph 970.488.3111    Fax 970.488.3112      

 


MINING AND MINE RECLAMATION

The following are representative projects performed by personnel of Engineering Analytics, Inc.

Click Here to download our Mining and Mine Reclamation Project Sheet, and
 Click Here to download our Mine Environmental Permitting Project Sheet. 

 


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EA provides management consulting and technical services in four principal business areas:

  

COMPREHENSIVE RECLAMATION AND CLOSURE PLAN, GAS HILLS, WYOMING

  


EA staff provided consulting services to Umetco Minerals Corporation for reclamation of their uranium mine and mill site at Gas Hills, Wyoming. The project consisted of design for reclamation of an inactive tailings impoundment, two mine ore excavations and two evaporation ponds. EA staff also performed a site-wide hydrology study, a characterization study of the groundwater and geochemistry and a risk assessment analysis for clean-up of radiological contaminants.
 

Consulting Services Provided:

  • Analyses of the existing cover system on the inactive tailings impoundment and design of an enhanced cover to provide adequate erosion protection for the 1,000-year design life

  • Cover design for the two mine ore excavations and two evaporation ponds including geotechnical stability analyses, settlement analyses, radon attenuation analyses, infiltration analyses and erosion protection design

  • Characterization of subsurface flow conditions and contaminant transport mechanisms

  • Groundwater characterization and preliminary assessment of remedial action alternatives

  • Radiological investigation and risk assessment to evaluate potential radiological risk to the public and to evaluate the feasibility of remedial action alternatives
     

 


Reclamation of Uranium Mine and Mill Site,
Gas Hills, Wyoming


 
 

COVER AND REPOSITORY DESIGN, URAVAN, COLORADO

  
 


EA staff assisted in the preparation of modifications to the remedial action plan for this CERCLA site. EA staff designed cover alternatives for the raffinate spray area and designed runoff control features. The Burbank repository was designed to contain Title 1 waters from the nearby Naturita site. EA staff designed the cover for the repository considering radon flux, frost protection, settlement, cover cracking, erosion protection and storm flow diversions.
 

Consulting Services Provided:

  • Designed cover alternatives for raffinate spray area

  • Designed cover for the Burbank repository for containing wastes from Naturita

  • Designed diversions for the Burbank repository and raffinate spray area
     



CERCLA site, Uravan, Colorado
 
 

OPERATIONAL IMPROVEMENTS AND PRELIMINARY RECLAMATION PLAN, HOT SPRINGS, ARKANSAS

  
 


EA staff designed and supervised construction of a reclamation plan and embankment raise for Umetco Minerals Corporation’s tailings dam in Hot Springs, Arkansas. The goal was to design a reclamation plan that provided for continued operation while improving the existing drainage system and overall stability of the impoundment. Design controls included maintaining the existing toe of the embankment while excavating the downstream face of the dam to a 3:1 slope, and constructing an upsteam raise from the excavated materials. EA staff provided QA/QC through completion of the project.
 

EA staff provided the following services:

  • Preliminary subsurface investigation, including a comprehensive sampling program and piezometer installation

  • Flood routing and design of two spillways to control basin and impoundment runoff

  • Seepage analyses for design of a blanket drain to control the phreatic surface

  • Embankment stability analyses for static and seismic conditions

  • Liquefaction analyses

  • Construction specifications and construction oversight
     



Hot Springs Tailings Dam, Arkansas

Client: Umetco Minerals Corporation

 

 

 
 

CHARACTERIZATION OF WASTE DISPOSAL FACILITY, OWENS LAKE, CALIFORNIA

  
 


EA staff performed a characterization of sodium sulfate tailings that were placed in a disposal facility on the dry lake bed of Owens Lake, California. EA staff performed a full characterization of the site with the purpose of determining if material had been released from the disposal facility to the lake bed sediments or groundwater. The characterization included a physical stability study performed with ground penetrating radar, a groundwater study that involved installing numerous monitoring wells and piezometers, a geochemistry study of the sodium sulfate and lake bed evaporates, a geochemical background study and chemical transport modeling. The results of this study showed that the tailings have had minimal effects on the groundwater.
 

Consulting Services Provided:

  • Comprehensive site characterization

  • Physical stability study

  • Groundwater study

  • Geochemistry study

  • Background study

  • Chemical transport modeling
     



Owens Lake Site, Owens Lake, California

 

HEAP LEACH AND RELATED PROCESS COMPONENT DESIGN, KINGMAN, ARIZONA

  
 


EA staff provided site investigation, engineering and design of a heap leach pad and related process facilities for a gold recovery operation located in Mohave County, Arizona. The design included site investigations, laboratory testing, engineering evaluations, conceptual and final design and development of construction specifications for the heap leach and process components. EA staff performed optimization of grading plans and material quantities for the project site. Permitting assistance included a detailed aquifer protection permit application for the project under ARS regulations, and 404 permitting compliance. EA staff interacted with state and federal agencies and local authorities to obtain project approval.


Consulting Services Provided:

  • Site investigation and conceptual site selection

  • Designed and engineered heap leach pad and process components

  • Optimized grading plan, prepared construction drawings and technical specifications

  • Interactions with state and federal agencies to support Nevada Pacific Mining Company’s operation

  • Permitting support including Aquifer Protection Permit Application preparation
     



Heap Leach Pad, Mohave County, Arizona
 

HEAP LEACH AND ASSOCIATED FACILITIES DESIGN, MOAB, UTAH

  
 


EA staff provided engineering services including site investigation and design of a heap leach pad and associated facilities for a copper recovery operation in San Juan County, Utah. The design included Stage 1, with considerations and development for future stages. EA staff performed detailed soils and foundation investigations, including management of a cone penetration testing (CPT) investigation and a seismic line study to define in-situ soil properties and bedrock surfaces. The heap leach included settlement sensory design and advanced leak detection as required by the state of Utah. EA staff performed optimization of the design including grading plans, liner and leak protection, piping quantities, pond sizing, and solution piping network layout and quantities.
 

EA staff provided the following services:

  • Detailed engineering and design for Stage 1 heap and leach pad

  • Optimized the grading plan, developed construction drawings and prepared technical specifications for construction of the pad, collection and return ponds and associated facilities

  • Provided management of CPT and seismic line site investigations and studies

  • Developed and designed detailed leak detection and settlement sensory studies

 

 


Moab Site, San Juan County, Utah

 
 

ROSEMONT COPPER PROJECT, TUCSON, ARIZONA

  
 


Engineering Analytics staff led a regional groundwater flow model project and associated studies required for environmental permitting (EIS, APP) of this proposed open-pit copper mine. An intensive effort by the technical team enabled the regional groundwater flow model to be completed in 10-weeks. The flow model was used to predict impacts to streams, springs, riparian vegetation, and groundwater resources. Open pit dewatering during the active mining phase and pit-lake formation following closure were simulated. A comprehensive sensitivity analysis provided a range of potential impacts based on uncertainties in the hydrogeologic properties.

EA staff provided the following services:

  • Regional groundwater flow model

  • Simulated pit dewatering

  • Simulated pit lake

  • Discharge impact area

  • Environmental impacts

  • Pit backfill scenarios

  • Flow system conceptual model

 



Rosemont Copper Project, Tucson, Arizona

Client: Augusta Resources 
 

MIDNITE MINE, WELLPINIT, WASHINGTON

  
 


Engineering Analytics staff developed a groundwater study work plan to obtain data that supports mine remediation design and implementation of the Record of Decision. The work plan supported analyses for determining groundwater inflow to two open pits, capture of impacted alluvial groundwater, spring and stream flows, pit-lake levels, water-balance modeling, and volumes of water requiring treatment under existing conditions, during construction, and after site remediation. Designed and evaluated alluvial groundwater extraction wells and trenches to reduce down-gradient loading from the legacy uranium mine site. Groundwater extraction wells were installed and monitored for effectiveness.


EA staff provided the following services:

  • Groundwater work plan

  • Extraction wells

  • Groundwater trench design
     



Midnite Mine, Wellpinit, Washington

   
 

POTASIO RIO COLORADO (PRC), POTASH SOLUTION MINE, ARGENTINA

  
 


Engineering Analytics staff led the hydrogeologic review for final feasibility of deep-well, brine-waste injection and water supply well field. Review included geologic framework, geophysical logs, injection testing, and groundwater flow and transport modeling to assess long-term (40 years) feasibility of deep-well injection (at rates up to 600 m3/hr). Adequacy of site characterization and analysis was investigated to determine level of risk related to critical conditions necessary for long-term project success. Recommendations for lowering risk and best practices related to U.S. EPA Underground Injection Control (UIC) program and industry standards were developed to assist in advancing project development.


EA staff provided the following services:

  • Brine injection review

  • Geology and characterization

  • Water supply

  • Risk evaluation
     


Client: VALE 

 
 

CROW BUTTE, URANIUM ISR MINE, CRAWFORD, NEBRASKA

  
 


EA staff was the technical lead for groundwater aspects of regulatory compliance audit for ISR operations. Compliance with U.S. NRC and State of Nebraska regulations (Department of Environmental Quality, Department of Health and Human Services, Department of Natural Resources) were evaluated. The audit included site specific permits and regulations related to deep-injection wells (Class I), ISR mining wells (Class III), Septic system (Class V), water supply, and industrial groundwater. This internal audit identified strengths and deficiencies to assist operators in preparation for external audits and to maintain environmental compliance.


Consulting Services Provided:

  • Groundwater regulation compliance audit

  • NRC regulations

  • Nebraska regulations
     


Client: CAMECO 

 
 

HAIRHAN DEPRESSION IN-SITU RECOVERY (ISR) URANIUM PROJECT, MONGOLIA

  
 


Engineering Analytics staff was the lead for hydrogeology components of this ISR mining project. Responsible for management, coordination, and completion of drilling, well construction, water-quality sampling, aquifer testing, and pilot test design. Mongolian crews were trained on USA drilling, well completion, and well development techniques to ensure high-quality well installations. Close interaction with client on procurement and logistical support led to successful completion of planned field activities. Specialized and routine (by U.S. standards) equipment had to be purchased outside of Mongolia and transported to a remote Gobi Desert location. Seven hydrogeologic monitoring wells, 18 baseline water-quality monitoring wells, and 2 pilot-test areas wells were installed. Provided oversight, procedures, equipment, and training of Mongolian staff for water-quality sampling. Worked closely with Denison geologists on design of ISR test wells to target specific ore horizons and obtain maximum flow rates.


EA staff provided the following services:

  • Back groundwater quality wells

  • Water quality monitoring

  • Logistics and procurement

  • ISR test and well design
     



Hairhan Depression In-Situ Recovery Uranium Project, Denison Mines, Mongolia

Client: Denison Mines

   
 

SHOOTARING CANYON TAILINGS DAM, TICABOO, UTAH

  
 


Engineering Analytics provided geotechnical engineering for the Tailings Storage Facility Design Report. Engineering Analytics was also the lead for the design of the Tailings Impoundment Reclamation Plan. Both of these documents were prepared for submittal to the Utah Department of Environmental Quality in support of the permit application.
 



Shootaring Canyon Tailings Dam,
Ticaboo, Utah
 
 

CANON CITY MILLING FACILITY, CANON CITY, COLORADO

  
 


Engineering Analytics (EA) provided support for development corrective measures. EA also prepared costs for various remediation alternatives. These documents were prepared for submittal to the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment.
 

 

 

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  Engineering Analytics, Inc.
1600 Specht Point Road, Suite 209
Fort Collins, Colorado 80525
Phone: (970) 488-3111
Fax: (970) 488-3112

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