GoldSim as a Predictive Tool for Oil Sands Mining Operations

Posted by  Jason Lillywhite

We are pleased to share insights from a recent presentation by Candace Whitten, GIT and Matthew Ryans, P.Eng from WSP.  This work was presented at the 2024 GoldSim User Conference. 

Oil sands mining operations generate multiple tailings types requiring various treatment methods, storage components, and time for tailings maturation. GoldSim was employed to develop a dynamic material mass balance model simulating future tailings production and treatment alternatives.

Figure 1 - Schematic diagram of bitumen extraction and tailings storage and treatment

The model provided insights into the production of coarse and fine solids, informed by ore grade and production schedules. It identified high-sensitivity parameters and ensured compliance with site-specific thresholds, as established by Directive 085. This compliance guarantees that the modeled treatment technologies are sufficient for managing fluid tailings and that there is no net growth of fluid tailings beyond the life of mine (LOM) production. Additionally, the model offered insights into optimizing tailings management to minimize environmental impact and support sustainable mining practices. 

Physically Based vs. Feedback Control Models: Choosing the Right Approach for Water System Simulation

 Posted by  Jason Lillywhite

We’ve often been asked about the best way to simulate flow between two tanks: should it be modeled physically, based on fluid mechanics, or actively controlled using a feedback mechanism? With the release of GoldSim 15 and its new Controller element, now is a good time to compare these approaches and perhaps even combine them. In this post, we’ll examine the performance of our existing physically based model (Flow Between Two Tanks) alongside a feedback-controlled version using the Controller element. By comparing these methods, we’ll explore their strengths, limitations, and when one approach might be preferable over the other.

Building Better Water Balance Models for Tailings and Mine Rock Stockpiles

Posted by  Jason Lillywhite

We are pleased to share insights from a recent presentation by Tony Zheng (University of Alberta Geotechnical Centre / OKane Consultants), Rebecca Hurtubise (AECOM), and Nicholas Beier (University of Alberta Geotechnical Centre).  This work was presented at the 2024 GoldSim User Conference. Their work focuses on building better water balance models for tailings and mine rock stockpiles, addressing critical challenges in mining operations.

In this blog post, you'll discover how physics-based models developed in GoldSim can provide insights into water balance, acid rock drainage (ARD) risks, and effective closure strategies. These advanced modeling techniques offer actionable knowledge to improve mine closure practices and ensure long-term environmental sustainability.

Read on to explore their innovative approaches and practical applications in the field of mining hydrology and geotechnical engineering.