Harmony builds PNG’s first mine waste dams

By JASON SOM KAUT
Harmony Gold (PNG) claims tobe the first mining company in the country to build a tailings storage facility to prevent mine wastes from spilling into river systems.
Construction of the facility had progressed well with ground work for the building of two large dams for the tailings storage facility designed to hold 41.3 million metric tonnes of mine waste over the next 10 years.
This was revealed during a mine-site tour last Tuesday organised by the Morobe provincial mines and natural resources division for new Wau-Bulolo MP Sam Basil and provincial administrator Manasupe Zurenuoc.
Harmony general manager Adam Wright while not revealing the actual cost to the massive tailings facility, said the “cost is substantial” and represented Harmony’s commitment to ensuring the mining impact on the environment and the communities living around the mine site was reduced and well managed.
“Other operations in PNG dispose waste in rivers … we will store the waste in the tailings storage facility,” Mr Wright said.
Tailing is a residue sand-like material left after mineral ore is crushed and processed.
As the mine progresses, the dams will continue to be filled with waste over the next 10 years building it to a height of 60-70m.
Environment manager David Yok said a portion of the waste liquids would be re-used after going through primary and secondary treatment for chemicals and metals to bring the levels down.
He said the engineering design had taken into account the high rainfall and seismic activity and will see a 24-hour water discharge to stop excess water from seeping out of the dam.
Mr Yok said an environmental impact study had been carried out and approved by the Government and all environmental issues would be addressed in accordance with the study and other requirements.
Grass and plants have been planted along the access road to the mine site as part of the company’s re-vegetation drive to conserve the environment and compact loose soil.
Upon closure of the mine, the facility will be rehabilitated, stabilised and shut to ensure the community’s safety.