Geotechnical Site Investigation and Material Sourcing

Following selection of a proposed TSF location, a geotechnical site investigation must be performed to identify the soil and rock conditions underlying the proposed facility in order to progress into design.

In order to develop a reliable ground model it is necessary that the nature and properties of the soil strata likely to be present beneath a project area are identified, described and logged in a consistent and recognised manner.  This is achieved as part of a geological and geotechnical site investigation and requires input from Engineering Geologists and Geotechnical Engineers assessing both field and laboratory test data as well as published geological records.

CMW conduct geotechnical investigations that include the identification, description and logging of intersected soil strata in accordance with AS 1726 – 1993, Geotechnical site investigations. This process adopts a prescribed procedure and soil definitions to identify the nature of the ground beneath a site and the anticipated properties of the soil types. 

The identified soil types, described and logged in a recognised format that when presented in a geotechnical investigation report provides effective and efficient access to the required engineering and geological parameters by design and risk management members of the project team.  

Material sourcing may be required when mine waste is not appropriate or available for use in construction of the TSF. CMW utilise a full range of techniques to suit site specific geology and project complexity. These include, but are not limited to the following:

• Selecting borrow pit locations to minimize vegetation disturbance;
• Identifying and mapping all suitable borrow pit locations in close proximity to construction site;
• Laboratory testing to identify grade and engineering properties of site won material;
• Assist with the excavation and placement regulations of all sourced material.