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Supervising Scientist Division

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Full report

• SSR132 - Application of a catchment evolution model to the prediction of long term erosion on the spoil heap at Ranger uranium mine: Initial analysis (PDF - 3,857 KB)

Separate sections

• Preliminary pages (PDF - 178 KB)
• Chapter 1 - Introduction (PDF - 212 KB)
• Chapter 2 - Hydrology model calibration (PDF - 315 KB)
• Chapter 3 - Erosion model calibration (PDF - 384 KB)
• Chapter 4 - Determination of parameters for SIBERIA (PDF - 523 KB)
• Chapter 5 - Assessment of proposed RUM landforms (PDF - 2,757 KB)
• Chapter 6 - Conclusions and appendices (PDF - 444 KB)
• References (PDF - 128 KB)

Abstract

There is a need to assess the long-term stability of engineered landforms associated with the rehabilitation of Ranger Uranium Mine, Northern Territory, Australia, as it is a requirement that mill tailings must be contained for periods in excess of 1000 years. The geomorphic model, SIBERIA, is calibrated on hydrology and erosion data collected by a combination of monitoring and rainfall simulation experiments on the waste rock dumps of Ranger. Preliminary analysis of Ranger's preferred above-grade and below-grade rehabilitation options suggests that erosion of the order of 7-8 m will occur on the structure in a period of 1000 years. This depth of erosion may be sufficient to compromise the integrity of the containment. It is shown that SIBERIA has significant advantages over steady-state erosion models. Suggestions are made for the design that will enhance the stability of the structure and extend the structural life of the containment.