BackgroundOkane conducted and interpreted the results of a drilling and geochemical testing program at several mine rock stockpiles (MRSs) at an an iron ore mine, assessing their potential for generating acid and metalliferous drainage (AMD).ApproachPhase 1 testing produced acid load estimates for each MRS. Phase 2 testing refined the predicted acid load estimates by: Investigating the presence of existing or … Read More
Guiding Final Closure Options through Quantification of Internal Mine Rock Stockpile Conditions
BackgroundMining companies often hold legacy mine rock stockpiles (MRSs) that pose some level of environmental risk through contaminant release or erosion. Okane conducted a drilling program across five MRSs to investigate the physical and chemical characteristics of mine rock within each MRS, as there were no dumping records. Instrumentation was installed within the boreholes during drilling to monitor internal conditions. … Read More
A Cover Design Optimized for Haulage, Cost, and Revegetation
BackgroundOkane led a cover system trial program that quantified soil-plant-atmosphere interactions and cover system performance on sloped mine rock stockpiles at Mount Gibson’s Extension Hill Iron Ore Operation.ApproachOkane conducted the design, instrumentation, planting, and monitoring of vegetated cover system trials to quantify the effect of cover system depth on a sloped (18°) mine rock stockpile over two years. The information … Read More