Although the original plant neutralises the water balance, future expansion of mining activities requires the expansion of the facility to 100L/s. The technology employed is similar to the existing plant and consists of pre-treatment, Ultra Filtration (UF), RO and brine treatment. In addition, a Impacted Water Pond (IWP) was included in the scope. Since technology selection and piloting were already completed, the project proceeded directly to the feasibility phase. Due to future changes in feed, it became apparent that in addition to sulphate, ammonia would be constituents of concern. The process included a trade-off between adsorption- (Ion Exchange) and oxidation (breakpoint chlorination and ozonation) technologies to treat ammonia.
Project Timeline
Phases
Pre-feasibility Engineering
The relevant engineering activities were completed to meet the requirements of the feasibility stage deliverables. Miwatek conducted membrane rejection tests to determine the appropriate membranes for the changed feed composition, and proposed the changes to the existing facility. Deliverables included Process Flow Diagrams (PFD), various philosophies, interface descriptions, plotplans etc.
Feasibility Engineering
Miwatek developed the engineering deliverables as per the client’s stage requirements. Process engineering was advanced to 80% and deliverables included P&ID’s, engineering lists, process descriptions, various philosophies.
Execution services
The scope was modified to add an additional 100L/s capacity.
