Mill Water Sludge Pond Clean-Out

This large mill water sludge pond required cleaning of over 3,000m3 of thick, 4.5 SG settled abrasive, corrosive sludge and hard solids. Dredges and excavators could not be used because of concerns over damage to the pond liner. An additional challenge was the solids were to be discharged 1,350 meters away into the mine sump for disposal.

Further challenges present with limited site access to this remote nickel mining operation in northern Canada was by air or water only.

After site meeting with customer Mill Engineering, operations and environmental personnel, plus Supavac Distributor; Spicer Solution Providers (2sp) Inc., the contract was awarded to supply a Supavac solution.

Three SV250V-600 pumps, custom accessories to protect the liner from damage, spare parts, 5,700 meters of 100mm SDR11 hdpe piping, special suction, discharge, and compressed air hose assemblies were mobilized to the site by ship.

Two supervisors from 2sp rotated onsite as required to manage and monitor equipment deployment and operation ensuring a successful project outcome. Providing system setup, product training and overseeing daily operation and maintenance as required.

The job was completed on time and on budget, removing all the solids allowing the pond liner to be inspected and repaired as required, with maximum efficiency, no damage, environmental or safety incidents. Mobile solids transfer pump system vacuum recovered tons of settled sludge from mill water sludge pond with 1,350 meter zero-leak discharge for disposal, all on one simple operation.

• Cost-effective solution
• Minimal maintenance
• Environmental incidents are excluded
• Ability to clean over 3,000m3 sludge and hard solids