September 04, 2012

Predictive Site-wide Water Quality Modelling as a Tool for Mine Planning and Permitting: A Recent Canadian Example

Fitzpatrick, A. 2012. "Predictive Site-wide Water Quality Modelling as a Tool for Mine Planning and Permitting: A Recent Canadian Example," in Life of Mine 2012 Brisbane, Australia July 10 - 12, 2012. Australia:Australasian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy.

ABSTRACT

An integrated and dynamic water balance and water quality model for a proposed base metal mine has been

created using the GoldSimTM software package. The model was initially developed to address the water

quality of the Tailings Management Facility pond and how pond discharge would potentially affect

downstream water quality. However due to changing project objectives, the modeling has expanded over

time through an iterative process to encompass the full mine site and all receiving environment water quality.

The model results have been used as part of the mine planning/design process but are also intended to be

used for the environmental impact assessment and permitting process. The model has been built to allow for

changes to input terms to be readily made as additional data becomes available. The model results serve as

a prediction of water quality and the potential project impacts to the receiving environment water quality. This

paper presents the process by which data from a wide variety of sources was used to construct the model

and how the model results were used to guide development of a conceptual water management plan. In

addition, the role of the model in establishing proposed discharge criteria will be highlighted. The model has

been delivered as a fully functional application with the intent that the end-user can be other than the

modeller, the development of this aspect shall also be covered.