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.

 

Google image of Hidden Valley TSF

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