Mining Project Risk Assessment and Mitigation
ECBH understands you need a reliable, cost effective method to treat metal contaminated wastewaters and effluents to meet local regulatory requirements.
Our High Density Sludge (HDS) experts have designed, engineered and commissioned such plants since 1998 and have delivered many quality HDS solutions. Let’s work together to ensure your site uses responsible and sustainable water treatment solutions.
HDS technology is beneficial to operations that produce solutions high in sulfate ions as a result of pressure oxidation or bio-oxidation. Our HDS process effectively removes base metals as stable precipitates by forming calcium precipitates. Iron co-precipitates on the surfaces of recycled sludge particles.
In the HDS process, limestone/lime and recycled sludge are added to the lime-sludge mix tank at the beginning of the process. This becomes the main neutralization agent. This mixture is discharged to a rapid mix tank where it is mixed with incoming solutions, thereby achieving neutralization. This mixture is fed to the main lime reactor where a combination of aggressive aeration and high shear agitation ensures optimum process chemistry and clarifier performance. The discharge from the lime reactor is then treated with flocculent. The clarifier separates the treated effluent from the sludge and a portion is recycled back to the start of the process.
The HDS process is a proven, robust technology that uses standard equipment. It has many advantages over other lime precipitation systems for metal removal.
These include:
- A substantial reduction in sludge volume that results from an increase in sludge density. An increase from 2% to 30% solids reduces the volume of sludge by over 95%
- Lower sludge disposal costs
- Increased chemical and physical sludge stability. Within several days of deposition, the sludge drains so that it consists of more than 50% solids. These solids are stable enough to support the weight of people walking on the impoundment area
- Long-term effectiveness. Following 15 years of HDS use at one facility, there has been no contamination of the surrounding groundwater
- Production of a high quality effluent that can meet local regulatory constraints
- Easy automation
ECBH will make certain that all factors affecting your HDS project are considered, and will ensure that the design and construction of your project meets all regulatory and environmental guidelines. Our top priority is to help you affordably and effectively comply with environmental discharge limits. Partner with us and let our team of HDS experts help you manage your wastewater stream.
Thiosulfate leaching is a process that recovers gold from ore without the use of cyanide.
ECBH developed the thiosulfate leaching process because in some jurisdictions, increased regulation pressure means that cyanide cannot be used or transported.
We are a global technical leader in the field of thiosulfate leaching. Our laboratory and industry experts have spent years designing and developing the technique into a viable alternative to cyanide for some gold-bearing ores.
Thiosulfate leaching offers a number of benefits related to gold recovery yields and environmental concerns:
- Thiosulfate leaching of gold ores has great potential to reduce the impact on the environment. Unlike cyanide, which is highly toxic, the chemicals used in the thiosulfate leaching process are benign. This technology offers great potential in those jurisdictions where the use of cyanide is banned outright, or is subject to intense negative publicity for environmental reasons
- This process results in recoveries that are close to those generated by cyanide leaching in many cases. In recovery operations that are affected by “preg-robbing” ores, it can yield substantially better recovery than cyanide. Thiosulfate leaching is particularly well suited to state-of-the-art resin-in-pulp (RIP) gold recovery technologies
- Thiosulfate leaching is an alkaline process (usually operated in the pH 8 to 10 range) so there are no concerns with corrosion of equipment in the recovery operation
- The main chemical components of the thiosulfate leaching process (ammonium thiosulfate and ammonium sulphate) are common fertilizers. This opens up the additional possibility of using mine tailings solutions in agricultural applications, in regions where environmental regulations are favorable
Contact ECBH early in your planning and process development stages to discuss your timing, project scope, environmental concerns and financial requirements. Our technical experts will establish whether thiosulfate leaching, or one of our cyanide leaching technologies, will give you the highest gold yields possible, while meeting regulatory requirements.
ECBH environmental impact assessments and environmental and social impact assessments help your business to contribute to local development while minimizing the impact on the environment. Call our experienced teams today to find out how.
As the worlds leading inspection organization we play a proactive role in safeguarding our environment by offering a wide range of tests to ensure environmentally friendly products and services. We also encourage industries to make environmental management planning an integral part of their regular operations.
We conduct environmental impact assessments and environmental and social impact assessments to determine how your business activities are affecting your local community and on the wider environment.
For a detailed assessment of your environmental performance, you can benefit from our state-of-the-art laboratory and monitoring facilities. Our accredited, experienced technicians have the experience to offer innovative solutions to any challenges facing your organization. We offer you guidance and assistance in complying with environmental regulations and in reducing your impact on the environment.
An environmental and social impact assessment shows your commitment to contributing to a positive impact on your local environment and community.
Call our accredited environmental assessment teams today for more information.
Manufacturing inspection and technical inspection services from ECBH – verify and certify that your products, machinery and equipment are manufactured in compliance with all specified requirements.
To assure quality, your products, machinery and equipment must be manufactured in compliance with a range of statutory and contractual obligations. We provide both manufacturing inspections and technical inspections to verify and certify that your products are manufactured in full compliance with all specified requirements.
WHY CHOOSE MANUFACTURING INSPECTION AND TECHNICAL INSPECTION SERVICES FROM ECBH?
We provide manufacturing inspection of single, multiple and mass production items of equipment and components to help you:
- Ensure that your products have been manufactured according to the required quality and procedures with professional verification and inspection
- Control the conformity of your products, machinery and equipment with technical and purchase specifications, codes, standards and other relevant contractual documents
- Be certain that your products are properly handled and secured during transportation
WORLD-LEADING INDEPENDENT MANUFACTURING INSPECTION AND TECHNICAL INSPECTION
As the leading provider of manufacturing inspections and technical inspections, we are the first choice for clients looking to assure quality across the world. We offer you unrivaled experience, expertise, resources and a unique global network. As a result, we can provide trained and qualified technical specialists to verify your products and process quality in every corner of the world – fast.
Our manufacturing and technical inspection services include:
- Manufacturing process inspection
- Coating inspection and failure analysis
- Dimensional inspection
- Documentation review
- Quality inspection of final products
- Packing and loading inspection
- Storing and handling inspection
- Visual inspection
- Welding inspection
- Witness tests
Contact us today to find out how our manufacturing and technical inspection services can assure that your products, machinery and equipment have been manufactured in compliance with all specified requirements.
The successful listing of exploration stocks on many major stock exchanges is dependent on the submission of NI 43-101 Technical Reports in Canada and JORC Reports in Australia.
Technical Reports that meet national regulatory guidelines such as the National Instrument 43 101 (NI 43-101) or Joint Ore Reserves Committee Code (JORC) are a necessary part of mineral exploration programs. The data gathered in a mineral exploration program must be presented in an accurate Technical Report or resource audit that meets these stringent reporting requirements.
These regulations prescribe fixed guidelines that govern the way in which the scientific and technical results of mineral exploration programs must be presented. NI 43-101 and JORC reports must be written by a “Qualified or Competent Person”, an unbiased, competent third party who is independent of the property and report issuer.
ECBH geologists and engineers regularly act as independent Qualified or Competent Persons. Our professionals prepare Technical Reports, resource audits and certifications compliant with NI 43-101 and JORC. ECBH QPs and CPs have successfully written a variety of independent Technical Reports for companies worldwide. These documents include:
- NI 43-101 Technical Reports
- JORC Technical Reports
- Property of Merit Reports
- Preliminary Economic Evaluations
- Property Evaluations
- Prefeasibility Studies
DUE DILIGENCE AND RESOURCE AUDIT SERVICES
ECBH‘s professionals can audit and analyze your data, procedures, calculations and results and submit our conclusions and recommendations as required for NI 43-101 and JORC compliance.
As part of such a study, we verify the geological model and technical database to:
- Validate the resource estimation parameters
- Estimate the resource and reserve classification
- Give appropriate recommendations relative to the project (drilling of additional holes, revised use of geostatistics and resource estimation parameters, etc.)
Rely on ECBH for accurate, compliant third party exploration reporting that meets all of your corporate governance and external regulatory requirements.
Tender support from ECBH – ensure an accurate tender phase with expert tender documentation preparation, analysis, and negotiation.
The tender phase of your project is a time consuming and resource intensive task. Our comprehensive tender support service provides expert tender documentation preparation and analysis, and helps ensure an accurate tender procedure to prepare and negotiate all project bids.
WHY CHOOSE TENDER SUPPORT FROM ECBH?
We can help you
- Ensure a successful tender phase with strategic planning
- Create accurate tender documentation, outlining all key performance requirements
- Define a strategic plan and choose the right bidders
- Ensure all goods and services meet the quality assessment and are in full regulatory compliance
- Ensure successful negotiations
- Apply best practice tender procedures
TRUSTED TENDER SUPPORT FROM A WORLD LEADER
As the world’s leading inspection, verification, testing and certification company, our global network of accredited experts offers you unsurpassed experience. As a result, we are the preferred international provider for clients requiring effective tender support. Our unique global reach enables us to provide you with tender support services anywhere in the world.
Our tender support service includes:
- Review of your project to gain an understanding of your requirements
- Document review
- Analysis of the technical and quality assessment
- Preparation of documentation, such as ‘Requests for Proposal (RFP)’ and ‘Invitation to Tender (ITT)’
- Selection of suitable contractors
- Analysis of the defined technical and commercial data
- Bidders prequalification
- Bid evaluation and negotiation
- Terms and conditions
- Project planning
- Contract drafting and negotiation
- Resource planning
- External analytical studies
- Tender procedures
- Contract award
To discuss how we can offer you extensive support to ensure a successful tender phase, contact us today.
Soil and groundwater pollution can become an environment and health problem that far exceeds the boundaries of your site. Avoid environmental disasters and the financial consequences with a pollution study from ECBH. Call our team of contaminated land experts now to find out more.
With our international experience in environmental management, we have the track record to deal with your ground contamination management.
We use state-of-the-art equipment to conduct manual or mechanical drilling and take soil and water samples for analysis. Our scientific professionals use our certified laboratories and on-site mobile installations to investigate a range of parameters to understand what pollution is present.
Our experienced team of geologists, hydrogeologists and agronomists use the latest safety equipment and top-of-the-range equipment to carry out technical investigations of groundwater and soil problems – from simple sampling to deep drilling and installation of wells and piezometers. Our range of techniques include:
- Installing piezometers to monitor groundwater contamination
- In-depth characterization study to determine the extent of pollutants
- Groundwater modeling to examine the dispersion of underground contaminants
- Sampling of surface waters to determine pollutant levels
- Analysis of weather data to anticipate fluctuating temperatures and potential rainfall that can contribute to the release of contaminants
- Air and odor measurements
- Membrane interface probe (MIP)
- Passive soil gas sampling modules (Sorbers)
- Frost
- Direct well
Through our pollution studies, we will provide you with the independent advice your company needs to meet all regulatory requirements. We work with you to develop a successful environmental management program and a cost-effective plan for site decontamination.
Our expertise in contaminated land studies includes the following fields:
- Historical study
- Orientation ‘first step’ study
- Characterization or delineation study
- Brownfield analysis
- Contaminant fate and transport study
- Excavated ground management
- Feasibility study
- Remediation study
With proven experience and an international network that guarantees you a quality service throughout the world, we will tackle your ground and groundwater contamination problem rapidly and efficiently. To protect your site and avoid costly retroactive clean-up activity, call our contaminated land experts today.
Design review and verification from ECBH - ensures that your design complies with all relevant operational, safety, environmental and industry standards.
Whatever industry you operate in, your product or installation needs to fulfill numerous requirements. Our design review and verification service ensures that your design complies with all relevant industry standards and meets operational, safety and environmental requirements.
WHY USE DESIGN REVIEW AND VERIFICATION FROM ECBH?
Our design review and verification service offers you highly trained staff, state-of-the-art technology and global resources, helping you to:
- Verify the design of your industrial products or installations through a comprehensive review of specifications, reports, calculations and drawings
- Test your engineering assumptions, design methods and approaches
- Provide confidence that your installation is designed to the required design and safety standards, criteria and legislation
- Ensure that all parties involved in your design phase follow the same specifications and rules
TRUSTED DESIGN REVIEW AND VERIFICATION FROM A LEADING SUPPLIER
As a trusted provider for technical verification, inspection and testing, we offer you the accreditations, technical expertise and experience of a world leader. That’s why we are the first choice for clients in all industries across the globe. Plus with our unique global network we can provide you with comprehensive design review and verification anywhere in the world.
Our design review and verification services include:
- Accelerated life time tests
- Assessment of welding procedures and welder qualification
- Evaluation of proposed corrosion protection systems
- Review of manufacturing and installations specifications
- Risk assessment and analysis
- Technical due diligence
- Verification of control and automation systems
- Verification of electrical systems
- Verification of material certificates
- Verification of mechanical facilities and piping
- Verification of process simulation, calculation and design drawings
- Verification of structural and geotechnical design
Contact us today to find out how our design review and verification service can ensure that your design complies with all relevant operational, safety, environmental and industry standards.
The Equator Principles comprise a voluntary credit risk management framework and set of guidelines for environmental and social risk assessment in project finance activities.
By adopting these principles, the financial industry has a set of environmental and social benchmarks for managing these risks in development project financing globally.
The intention of the Equator Principles is that each financial institution will adopt an equator principles management system that includes a minimum internal standard of due diligence and responsible project financial evaluation. The goal of the Equator Principles is to ensure that the projects you finance are able to meet specified social and environmental requirements.
Today, more than ever, financial institutions and project sponsors are under pressure for a perceived lack of transparency and risk management in terms of social and environmental responsibility. By adopting and auditing the Equator Principles in relation to your projects, you can show banks, sponsors, investors, government agencies and other stakeholders your commitment to social responsibility and environmental responsibility. ECBH provides trusted and comprehensive equator risk assessment for financial institutions funding major infrastructure and industrial project worldwide.
ECBH is the trusted leader in environmental and social responsibility. We combine our understanding of project finance and global regulations concerning environmental and social responsibilities in your complete and comprehensive assessment. An ECBH assessment against Equator Principles examines and verifies the way your operation addresses the ten principles that are included in the document:
- Review and Categorization of Projects
- Social and Environmental Assessment
- Applicable Social and Environmental Standards
- Action Plan and Management System
- Consultation and Disclosure
- Grievance Mechanism
- Independent Review
- Covenants
- Independent Monitoring and Reporting
- Reporting
The Equator Principles have become the respected industry standard for environmental and social risk management. Partner with ECBH for your assessment against the equator principles and you will demonstrate your commitment to environmentally and socially responsible project financing.
To maximize your efficiencies and minimize your damage to the environment and local ecosystems, ECBH provide an ecosystem and biotops risk assessment. Contact our experienced team today for an action plan to suit your project.
Biofuel production brings many environmental benefits, but can be equally challenging for sustainability reasons. Biofuels help to reduce carbon dioxide and sulfur dioxide. But the introduction of new plantations could affect local ecosystems. Modifications may be needed to existing production processes and infrastructures to ensure the successful expansion of the crop. Crops must also be sustainable for them to be effective for the communities growing them.
Our ecological risk assessment considers these important issues and focuses on protecting the fragile ecosystems surrounding your site. By studying the areas that will be exposed to change – new seeds and crops, chemicals and fertilizers – and using computer mapping, we can assess the potential impact on the local ecosystems.
We also examine the potential impact on human health and groundwater resources.
A robust risk assessment will allow our experienced teams to consider any corrective action you need to take for the success of your site as well as to meet any regulatory needs. Call us today and start examining a range of solutions before your project gets underway.
