Project: Geotechnical Studies of DareZar copper Concentrator Plant
Client: National Iranian Copper Industries Company
Background: Separately, NICICo planned to develop the new Dareh Zar Copper Mine and construct a 10.5 MTPA concentrator plant. Geological and geotechnical investigations for the proposed plant site were awarded to MEWE, which carried out the studies in joint venture with PayJu Iran Company.
Actions: The program included drilling 15 geotechnical boreholes, ranging from 14 to 70 meters deep, totaling 480 meters, over a 16-hectare area. Both in-situ and laboratory tests were conducted, including uniaxial and triaxial compression, point load, direct shear, and tensile strength tests. Geophysical surveys and data analysis were also completed.
Results: The studies provided detailed assessments of engineering geology, hydrogeology, seismicity, and slope stability for the site, along with guidelines for concrete foundation design. The maximum design earthquake acceleration for the region was determined to be 0.28 g.
