East Weipa Operations

The scope of work required a detailed site investigation that consisted of CPTu testing, VWP monitoring equipment installation to understand site conditions and material types and a detailed environmental field investigation considering agronomy and fauna and flora within the area. 

The design was completed in two stages:

• Stage 1 considered the tailings surface rehabilitation, batter slope trial pad design and associated infrastructure to manage a Probable Maximum Flood (PMF) event
• Stage 2 would consider the batter slope reshaping and any additional infrastructure requirements

The Stage 1 design was completed and included a final design report, Investigation report, construction drawings, associated quantities and technical specifications. Only conceptual figures were prepared for Stage 2. 

The main challenges faced during the project included:

• Satisfying client, regulatory body and traditional landowner requirements and expectations, overcome through numerous meetings and workshops to identify and deal with stakeholders requirements throughout the project.
• Landforming to support interim performance objectives, including trial plots that will support discussion on final landform with all stakeholders.
• Incorporating a partial rehabilitated portion of EW 1&2 TSF into the overall design.
• Minimising the impacts of the rehabilitated facilities on the surrounding environment, local community and itinerants visiting the area.