Project: Water and Tailings Management of Miduk Copper Mine
Client: National Iranian Copper Industries Company
Background: Miduk Mine, located in Kerman Province, commenced operations in 2000. The concentrator plant was originally designed to process 5 MTPA of ore, with future expansion plans to reach 12 MTPA. Fresh water, approximately 3 MCM per year, is sourced from the nearby Bonyeke wells. In 2006, an upgrade program for the water and tailings management system was initiated. All engineering design phases—from conceptual studies to construction supervision of various tailings management upgrades—were carried out by a joint venture between ATC Williams (Australia) and MEWE.
Actions: A detailed, year-long monitoring program was undertaken to assess the thickened tailings disposal patterns at the tailings dam. Additionally, a data telemetry system covering the entire tailings management network was designed and implemented.
Result: Tailings storage capacity was increased in three stages, expanding from 40 MCM to 140 MCM. A fifth 12-meter diameter deep-cone paste thickener was installed alongside the four existing units. The potable water and fire water systems were modernized, and a new wastewater treatment plant was designed and constructed.
