Residue disposal at Sadiola Hill Gold Mine: an owner/operator's perspective

Mining companies have adopted many different approaches to residue disposal as this aspect of its business can significantly influence the viability of a project. Sadiola Mine, located in Mali, West Africa in a remote area with poor infrastructure, exploits a saprolitic ore body containing gold often in a lateritic matrix. The developers explored the available options and adopted a disposal solution of some technical complexity that offered substantial savings, the success of which depended largely upon high operational standards and supervision. The solution includes the use of on-wall cycloning for wall construction, gravity and pumped return water systems and a comprehensive monitoring programme. The paper describes the design approach, operational successes, modifications and complications experienced during the life to date.