To expand the storage capacity of the Sediment Pond at Koolan Island, NPE were engaged to undertake a Hydromining campaign to remove approximately 3,600m3 of settled solids. NPE used a high-pressure water technique to break down the compacted material into a slurry via water sourced from three Hydromining cannons on the sediment pond’s external perimeter. The cannons pushed/moved the slurry product to a Hydraulic Pump, suspended in the pond with a crane.

The slurry was pumped through a discharge line into a newly constructed sump. The water necessary for the cannons was supplied by a high-pressure diesel-driven pump. The HP pump was connected to a break tank, supplied with water from the in-pit dewatering system. The estimated flow rate required for the high-pressure pump and cannons was approximately 55 litres per second. NPE provided three on-site operational personnel to undertake the project. Each shift was led by an experienced NPE-trained Hydromining Supervisor with two Field Technicians supporting.