Deep Sea Tailing Placement (DSTP) is utilized by Ramu NiCo Management (MCC) Limited at its Basamuk Nickel-Cobalt Refinery in Papua New Guinea to dispose of tailings into the ocean depths. A study was conducted to evaluate the metal concentrations, acidity, and flow velocity rate of the tailing effluents before discharge to ensure the safety of the waste on the local marine ecosystem. Metal analysis was done using ICP-MS, FTMS, and Discrete Analyzer, while pH and flow velocity rate were measured using specific tools. Results indicated that the pH (8.32 units) and flow velocity rate (1677 m3/h) were within the safe ranges, and metal concentrations were below recommended levels. Future research is needed to fully understand the long-term impacts of DSTP on the marine environment.
The Ramu Nickel-Cobalt project in Papua New Guinea involves mining and refining lateritic ores at two sites: Kurumbukari for ore mining and beneficiation, and Basamuk Bay for the refinery complex. The ore slurry is transported via pipeline to the refinery site, where high-grade intermediate hydroxides of Nickel and Cobalt metals are produced through high-pressure acid leaching. To dispose of tailings, the project utilizes Deep Sea Tailing Placement (DSTP) at Basamuk Bay, where tailing effluents are piped below sea level to settle on the seafloor, ensuring they remain out of reach of conditions that could render them toxic. This method aims to ensure ecological safety by assessing metal concentrations, acidity/pH, and flow velocity rate before discharge.
The data for this study was obtained through routine quality monitoring checks at the basamuk refinery, with sampling conducted four times per day for a 24-hour period. Samples were analyzed in the laboratory for heavy metals concentration using ICP-MS, with results showing that metals such as Mn, Zn, Ni, Co, and Cu in the tailing water were below their respective EPS values, indicating no immediate threat to the environment. Additionally, toxic heavy metals like Cd, Pb, Se, As, Ag, Hg, and Cr were all below 0.01 mg/l, meeting compliance values stipulated in the environmental permit. The discharge velocity of tailing effluent ranged between 1677 - 2075 m³/h, with a monthly average of 1270 m³/h, within permitted levels despite fluctuations. The pH of the tailing water ranged from 8.12 to 8.55, well within the recommended range of 6.5 to 9.0, showcasing proper neutralization and alignment with natural seawater pH levels.
The daily average pH values of the tailing water fluctuate between 8.12 and 8.5, falling within the recommended range of 6.5 to 9.0 units. The tailing waste has been effectively neutralized to alkalinity levels with a monthly average pH of 8.12, ensuring it blends seamlessly with seawater upon discharge. The discharge of tailings contains metals well below permissible standards, and the effluent stream velocity supports a density current below the sea. Research confirms compliance with government regulations, allowing tailing materials to sink into the seafloor as intended, with minimal immediate risk of marine ecological contamination. Future studies are needed to assess long-term environmental impacts on the marine ecosystem from the deep sea tailing facilities.
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Title: Environmental Impact Assessment of Deep Sea Tailing Placement at Ramu Nickel-Cobalt Refinery
In the study conducted at the Basamuk Nickel-Cobalt Refinery in Papua New Guinea, the environmental impact of Deep Sea Tailing Placement (DSTP) was evaluated to ensure the safety of tailing effluents on the local marine ecosystem. The analysis focused on metal concentrations, acidity, and flow velocity rate of the tailing effluents before discharge. Results showed that the pH levels (ranging from 8.12 to 8.5) and flow velocity rate (1677 - 2075 m³/h) were within safe ranges. Metal concentrations, including Mn, Zn, Ni, Co, and Cu, were below recommended levels, and toxic heavy metals like Cd, Pb, Se, As, Ag, Hg, and Cr were all below 0.01 mg/l, meeting compliance values specified in the environmental permit.
The study, conducted at the Basamuk Bay refinery, utilized ICP-MS for analyzing metal concentrations in tailing effluents. The data collected through routine quality monitoring checks confirmed that the discharge velocity of tailing effluent was within permitted levels, despite fluctuations, and the pH of the tailing water was properly neutralized and aligned with natural seawater pH levels. Compliance with government regulations ensured that tailing materials sink into the seafloor as intended, with minimal immediate risk of marine ecological contamination. Future research is needed to fully understand the long-term impacts of DSTP on the marine environment.
In conclusion, the environmental impact assessment of DSTP at the Basamuk Nickel-Cobalt Refinery in Papua New Guinea has shown that the disposal of tailings into the ocean depths is done within safe parameters. The study confirmed that metal concentrations, acidity levels, and flow velocity rate of the tailing effluents met compliance values and posed no immediate threat to the local marine ecosystem. Continuous monitoring and further research are needed to assess the long-term effects of DSTP on the environment.