THE PROJECT

Newcrest Mining is deepening the main pit at Telfer, West Dome, by 84 m.  To achieve dry mining conditions, the water level at West Dome needs to be lowered by 100 m within 2 years, requiring an additional 500 L/s of dewatering capacity.  Five large-diameter, dual-rotary bores of up to 360 m depth are being constructed to provide the additional dewatering capacity.

At Telfer, large quantities of groundwater occur within fault zones, sandstone and quartzite beds, and mineralised reefs.

One of the major faults was discovered by and named after Roger Passmore, the founder of Rockwater.

Rockwater was commissioned to provide hydrogeological supervision, project management and safety coordination for drilling of the five new bores at West Dome.  We prepared and assessed tender documents for test-pumping of the bores and the supply of high-capacity submersible pumps.  We are also involved in the design of the borefield reticulation system.

Rockwater’s involvement at Telfer began in 1977-94, when bores were constructed to provide water for drinking and dust control.

• Geological interpretation
• Daily drilling reports, weekly summary reports
• Field investigation reporting
• Technical specifications for pumping infrastructure
• Technical review of tender submissions

• Supervision of bore drilling, bore construction and testing
• Safety coordination
• Pipeline design