Gold Mine Case Study

Background

Located approximately 50 kilometres south-west of Dubbo in central western New South Wales, Tomingley Gold Mine is a key site for well-known mining company, Alkane. Operated by Tomingley Gold Operations, the site has been in operation since early 2014.

The company upholds sensitive design processes to minimise environmental impact, including a small physical footprint, water recycling and conscientious waste residue treatment and storage.

The existing sewage treatment plant at the site required an overhaul to meet an expected population growth of up to fifty percent to 180 staff. Aerofloat was contracted to design and install a new sewage treatment system to treat the wastewater from the shower blocks plus general sewage treatment from the toilets.

Given the regional location of the site, Tomingley Gold Operations also wanted the system to be low maintenance and offer remote monitoring capabilities.

The Aerofloat Solution

Wastewater and sewage generated from the site’s office and facility buildings required a robust and flexible system that could adapt to the daily fluctuations in flow rates. Nearly half of the minimum 180 occupants were using the site for showers during the peak flow times, with that number expected to grow by half again in the near future. Aerofloat therefore recommended its innovative, adaptable biological system to tackle Tomingley Gold Operations’ wastewater and sewage.

Aerofloat designed its biological wastewater treatment solution using Sequence Batch Reactor (AeroSBR) technology, incorporating Air-Locked Syphon decanters and patented aeration lances that ensured minimal operational downtime.

Its SBR technology enabled suspended growth biological treatment process whereby the microorganisms in the wastewater can be aerated, settled and the treated clear effluent decanted in the same reactor, overcoming the need for a separate clarifier.

The Tomingley Gold Mine sewage treatment plant was designed to treat a future daily flow of 15.6m3/day and ensure effective treatment of the biochemical oxygen demand (BOD) and ammonia levels in the wastewater.

The AeroSBR was also designed to minimise operational downtime and servicing requirements. Aerofloat’s patented aeration lances were easily removed for cleaning even while the system was in use – saving Tomingley Gold Operations staff on system maintenance time.

Results

The Tomingley Gold Mine treatment plant was completed on schedule and the commissioning process was effortlessly handled by Aerofloat’s engineers and support staff.

Remote monitoring installed at the site allowed Aerofloat engineers to log on and remotely monitor and optimise the system following commissioning.

Maintenance Manager for the Tomingley Gold Operations, Brian Prendergast, was impressed by the efficiency of the Aerofloat team,

“It was great to have the installation and commissioning period completed within the agreed timeframe, allowing minimal disruptions to our operations at Tomingley.”

Aerofloat continued to support the Tomingley Gold Operations team via remote monitoring and periodic on-site servicing, as well as providing competitive chemical supply to ensure ongoing optimal effluent results.

“We’ve got remote monitoring on the system so that we are never far from support. Even though Aerofloat’s engineers are based in Sydney, they can log onto the site and make adjustments on our behalf.”

Aerofloat offers innovative solutions for sewage treatment plants at remote locations, including mining sites, across Australia. Get in touch with Aerofloat’s engineers to discuss your sewage and wastewater treatment needs.