The Frieda River Project is a large open cut copper-gold project that is being developed by Frieda River Limited (owned by PanAust) on behalf of a joint venture between Frieda River Limited and Highlands Frieda Limited.
As part of the EIS, we completed a Regional Groundwater Assessment including field investigations, a conceptual hydrogeological model and development of a regional scale numerical groundwater flow model (MODFLOW-USG).
Client
Frieda River Limited and Highlands Frieda Limited
Project
Frieda River Project: groundwater assessment
Sector
Mining
Services
Field services, conceptual groundwater modelling, numerical groundwater modelling
Outcomes we delivered
Model results were used to estimate open pit seepage/inflows and assess the post closure behaviour and recovery of groundwater within the open pit and the integrated storage facility. In addition to this, we assisted PanAust with open pit depressurisation and dewatering strategies for the project. This required close consultation with the geotechnical consultants, liaison and guidance on field activities, and the development of a 3D mine area groundwater flow model (MODFLOW-USG) to predict the effects of horizontal depressurisation hole drilling on the pore pressures within the open pit. The 3D flow representation provided a more accurate reflection of groundwater conditions and responses within the pit walls compared with typical 2D sectional models.
Subsequent to this work, we have been involved in a number of updates to the regional groundwater assessment and has gone on to complete further international works for PanAust. We provide PanAust with a trusted and experienced team of consultants who are able to provide innovative approaches to existing techniques.
View all hydrogeological & environmental services
Our team’s expertise is in groundwater modelling, field services, approvals and licensing, water supply, contaminant investigation, expert advisory, and hydrogeochemistry. Learn more about our services by clicking the link below.