Acid Leach Pad Closure Planning
Location
Nevada, USA
Client
Nevada Vanadium Company
Project Description
GSA is providing technical support on the development of the Gibellini Vanadium Project closure plan for two acid heap leach pads (HLPs). GSA developed heap leach pad draindown models and a HLP water budget to evaluate potential rinsing and solution water management alternatives during the closure and post-closure period. Alternative potential cover systems were evaluated via hydraulic and physical property analyses of available borrow materials, and numerical modeling of cover system effectiveness in reducing net percolation.
An optimal HLP rinsing schedule, drainage water management approach, and closure cover system design was selected based on site conditions, model predicted draindown, and costs. Additionally, GSA is supporting closure plan submittals and responses to regulatory questions.
Project Highlights
- HLP draindown and facility water budget modeling to evaluate rinsing alternatives.
- Leach ore and potential borrow source material physical and hydraulic testing.
- Cover system water balance modeling to evaluate different cover system alternatives
- Closure plan submittal support
