Global gold company Lihir Gold is using Coffey’s specialist skills to solve an engineering challenge that will allow the miner to expand its operations in Papua New Guinea.
Coffey Geotechnics chief executive officer Matt Thomas said Coffey was working hand-in-hand with Lihir to determine the design criteria of a cofferdam that would block the ocean from entering the pit and allow mining of a new pit.
“Coffey’s role is to design the cofferdam to ensure it minimises capital expenditure and maximises returns from Lihir’s mining activity.
“The proposed enclosure is an extremely challenging project. It is therefore crucial that we incorporate all the potential geological and environmental hazards into the design options, as well as the potential impacts on the mining operation,” Matt said.
The surrounding conditions in which the dam is to be constructed are unique and include a geothermally active open pit and a deeply shelved harbour floor.
Site geology is further challenged by the occurrence of a landslide in 2005 that displaced 900 metres of shoreline, resulting in flow slides beneath the proposed cofferdam footprint.
To assist Lihir to mitigate the project challenges, Coffey is undertaking significant testing, including an onshore investigation program to obtain geotechnical and hydrothermal information as well as mapping of the landslide.
Coffey Geotechnics, Coffey Projects and Coffey Mining have combined their specialist skills to form a cohesive and experienced project team for their client.
“We believe the Coffey team was chosen for the cofferdam because of our experience with large, difficult projects that require original thought and new approaches,” Matt added.
The cofferdam is currently progressing through the design phase of the project. It is part of Lihir Gold’s expansion on Lihir Island to increase gold production, reduce costs, boost operational efficiency and create greater operational flexibility.
For more information, contact:
Matt Thomas
61 8 9355 7100
matt_thomas@coffey.com
