2010 Annual Tailings Plan Submission Syncrude Mildred Lake

2010 Annual Tailings Plan Submission
Syncrude Mildred Lake
(Leases 17 and 22)
Submitted to:
Energy Resources Conservation Board
Submitted by:
Syncrude Canada Ltd.
Fort McMurray, Alberta
September 30, 2010
Table of Contents
1
2
3
4
5
6
Introduction________________________________________________________ 1
1.1
Current Operations (Leases 17/22) __________________________________ 1
Tailings and Mining Plans ____________________________________________ 4
2.1
Tailings Management Strategy _____________________________________ 4
2.2
Dedicated Disposal Area (DDA) Strategy ____________________________ 5
2.2.1 Current Operations...........................................................................................7
2.2.2 Future Dedicated Disposal Areas.....................................................................7
2.2.3 Additional Activities......................................................................................10
2.2.4 Fines Management .........................................................................................10
2.3
Reconciliation to Approved Plan __________________________________ 11
2.4
Opportunities Under Consideration ________________________________ 11
Planning Details ___________________________________________________ 12
3.1
Mining_______________________________________________________ 12
3.2
Tailings ______________________________________________________ 14
3.2.1 Mildred Lake Settling Basin: .........................................................................16
3.2.2 West In-Pit: ....................................................................................................16
3.2.3 East In-Pit: .....................................................................................................16
3.2.4 Southwest In-Pit:............................................................................................16
3.2.5 Southwest Sand Storage:................................................................................17
3.2.6 North Mine South Pond Storage:...................................................................17
3.2.7 North Mine Center Pond Storage:..................................................................17
3.2.8 North Mine End Pit Lake...............................................................................17
3.3
Key Milestones ________________________________________________ 18
Construction Details ________________________________________________ 25
4.1
Southwest Sand Storage _________________________________________ 26
4.2
North-South Dyke and East-West Dyke 1 ___________________________ 29
4.3
East-West Dyke 2 ______________________________________________ 29
Site Wide Material Balance __________________________________________ 32
Water Chemistry ___________________________________________________ 36
6.1
Mildred Lake Settling Basin ______________________________________ 36
6.2
Southwest Sand Storage Facility __________________________________ 36
6.3
In-Pit Tailings Facilities _________________________________________ 37
List of Figures
Figure 1.1
Figure 1.2
Figure 2.1
Figure 2.2
Figure 2.3
Figure 3.1
Figure 3.2
Figure 3.3
Figure 3.4
Figure 3.5
Figure 3.6
Figure 3.7
Figure 4.1
Figure 4.2
Figure 4.3
Figure 4.4
Overall Syncrude Process Flow ________________________________ 2
Location Map and Simplified PFD for Mildred Lake Facilities________ 3
Tailings Containment Chart for Mildred Lake _____________________ 6
Mildred Lake Proposed DDA Locations _________________________ 9
MFT Inventory Curve _______________________________________ 10
North Mine Development Sequence____________________________ 13
2010 Status Map ___________________________________________ 19
2012 Status Map ___________________________________________ 20
2013 Status Map ___________________________________________ 21
2015 Status Map ___________________________________________ 22
2018 Status Map ___________________________________________ 23
2023 Status Map ___________________________________________ 24
North South Dyke Asbuilt (year end 2009) ______________________ 30
North-South Dyke Typical Design Cross Section _________________ 30
East-West Dyke 1 Asbuilt (year end 2009) ______________________ 31
East-West Dyke 1 Typical Design Cross Section__________________ 31
List of Tables
Table 2.1
Table 3.1
Table 3.2
Table 3.3
Table 4.1
Table 4.2
Table 4.3
Table 4.4
Table 4.5
Table 5.1
Table 5.2
Table 5.3
Key Tailings Planning Assumptions_______________________________ 5
Mine Plan Ore Summary ______________________________________ 12
Mine Plan Waste Summary ____________________________________ 14
Mildred Lake Tailings Production Summary _______________________ 15
Mine Waste Construction Material Schedule _______________________ 25
Mine Waste Disposal Schedule _________________________________ 26
Tailings Disposal Schedule_____________________________________ 27
Tailings Disposal Schedule (continued) ___________________________ 28
Structure Construction Schedule_________________________________ 29
Site Wide Material Balance - Sand Management ____________________ 33
Site Wide Material Balance - Fines Management ___________________ 34
Site Wide Material Balance - Water Management ___________________ 35
List of Acronyms
AENV
bbl
bcm
BMD
BML
CDA
CT
C&R
DDA
EIP
EPL
ERCB
E/W Dyke
FFT
FGD
IB
ID
masl
Mbbls
Mbcm
MFT
MFTT
ML
MLETB
MLR
MLSB
Mm3
Mt
NEP
NMCP
NMSP
N/S Dyke
NWQ
OB
O/F
PFD
RCW
R&D
SCT
SEP
Sg
SW
SWIP
SWSS
TFT
TV:BIP
µm
U/F
WIP
Alberta Environment
Barrel
Bank Cubic Metre
Base Mine Dam (name replacement of Plant Site Protection Dam)
Base Mine Lake
Canadian Dam Association
Composite Tailings
Conservation and Reclamation
Dedicated Disposal Area
East In-Pit
End Pit Lake
Energy Resources Conservation Board
East-West Dyke 1 and 2
Fluid Fine Tailings
Flue Gas Desulphurization
Interburden
Interim Directive
Metres Above Sea Level
Million Barrels
Million bank cubic metres
Mature Fine Tailings
Mature Fine Tailings Transfer
Mildred Lake
Mildred Lake East Toe Berm
Mildred Lake Reservoir
Mildred Lake Settling Basin
Million Cubic Metres
Million Tonnes
Northeast Pond (referring to the north portion of the EIP)
North Mine Center Pit
North Mine South Pit
North-South Dyke
Northwest Quadrant (of the Mildred Lake Base Mine)
Overburden
Overflow (referring to the CT Plant hydrocyclone overflow stream)
Process Flow Diagram
Recycle Water
Research and Development
Straight Coarse Tailings (or conventional coarse tailings)
Southeast Pond (referring to the south portion of the EIP)
Specific Gravity
Southwest
Southwest In-Pit
Southwest Sand Storage
Thin FineTailings
Total Volume to Bitumen In Place
Micrometer
Underflow (referring to the CT Plant hydrocyclone underflow stream)
West In-Pit
Syncrude Canada Ltd.
2010 Directive 074 Submission: Mildred Lake
1 Introduction
The 2010 Annual Tailings Plan for the Mildred Lake project is submitted in compliance
with Section 4.5.1 of Directive 074: Tailings Performance Criteria and Requirements for
Oil Sands Mining Schemes. The Mildred Lake project currently operates under ERCB
Approval No. 8573.
For ease of reference, a concordance table for Appendix E of Directive 074 is included in
Appendix 1.
1.1
Current Operations (Leases 17/22)
Syncrude’s oil sands activities at Mildred Lake include mining, extraction, froth
treatment, and bitumen upgrading. Processing at the Mildred Lake upgrader results in
the production of a bottomless, light sweet synthetic crude oil. Figure 1.1 provides a
schematic of the integrated Syncrude operation.
Oil sand mining at the Mildred Lake site uses truck and shovel surface mining
technology. The mining sequence consists of ore body and mineable pit delineation, tree
clearing, surface and basal aquifer dewatering as required, reclamation material
removal, overburden stripping, oil sand mining, in-pit placement of tailings and
overburden, and reclamation material placement. At present, approximately 105 million
tonnes of ore is mined annually at the Mildred Lake site. The majority of the ore is mixed
with hot water and delivered to primary extraction using hydrotransport technology. Dry
auxiliary production is transported by conveyor to primary extraction.
Separation of bitumen from oil sands is accomplished through warm water extraction
and froth treatment processes. The final bitumen product is a relatively clean heavy
hydrocarbon used as feedstock to the Syncrude upgrader.
Tailings, the materials remaining after bitumen is extracted from oil sands, is a mixture of
sand, silt, clay, water, and residual hydrocarbon. Tailings are distributed hydraulically via
a network of pipelines to a number of in-pit and out-of-pit placement areas. Syncrude
currently operates two out-of-pit tailings deposition areas at Mildred Lake: the Mildred
Lake Settling Basin (MLSB) and the Southwest Sand Storage (SWSS) facility. Dykes are
also constructed to subdivide mined out areas to utilize those areas for tailings
placement. Syncrude currently operates three in-pit tailings deposition areas at the
Mildred Lake site; the East In-Pit (EIP), West In-Pit (WIP), and Southwest In-Pit (SWIP)
tailings disposal facilities. A location map and simplified process flow diagram of tailings
systems currently in place at the Mildred Lake site are included in Figure 1.2.
Syncrude Canada Ltd.
2010 Directive 074 Submission: Mildred Lake
Page 1 of 39
PLANT UTILITIES
Figure 1.1
Process
Athabasca
River Water
Overall Syncrude Process Flow
Byproduct
Utilities
Steam
Geological structure
Generator at Mildred Lake
and Aurora mines
Treated
Sanitary
Sewage
Oil sand
Midred Lake’s Base Mine
Utility Boiler
Potable
Potable
Water
Water
Oil Sand
Slurry
Dump pocket
Geological structure
Pipeline terminals and refineries
Mildred Lake’s Auxiliary Production System
Oil Sand
Slurry
Stack
Geological structure
Mildred Lake’s North Mine hydrotransport
Coke
Cells
CO Boiler
Screens
Precipitator
Water Treatment
Primary
Separation
To be replaced by
SER Project facilities
by
2009 Bitumen Froth
by 2011
Bitumen Froth
Cyclofeeder
Coke Silos
PSV
Froth
Blended product
to pipeline
Diluent
Geological structure
Inclined
Plate
Settler
Aurora’s
north
operation
Aurora North
operation
Mine Hydrotransport
Fluid
Cokers
DRU
Aurora’s Settling Basin (ASB)
at Aurora
Aurora’s
north
operation
North
operation
Centrifuge
Froth
Tailings
Vacuum
Distillation
Unit
Geological structure
Southwest Sand
Storage (SWSS)
Sulphur
stock
pile
Mildred Lake Tailings
Settling Basin (MLSB)
LC-Finer
Aurora South
operation’s
Aurora’s
south
operation’s
tailings placement area
Syncrude Canada Ltd.
Sulphur
Water to Utilities
For Recycling
Aurora’s
south
operation
Aurora South
operation
Mine Hydrotransport
MINING
Synthetic crude oil
storage and blending
Hydrotreaters
Tailings
Oil Recovery
Hydrogen Plant
Natural Gas
EXTRACTION
2010 Directive 074 Submission: Mildred Lake
UPGRADING
DISTRIBUTION
Page 2 of 39
Figure 1.2
Location Map and Simplified PFD for Mildred Lake Facilities
Highway
63
Str 73
Coke
Lines
MLSB
Plt 6c
Plt 6A&B
MLR
RCW
Plt 6
Plt 5
W2
Dump
W1 Dump
COF
S6
691
S2
CT
690
WIP
Barge
EIP
MFT
Barge
S5
WIP
791
SWIP
SSF
Dredges
SEP
Dredge
Barge
SEP
Return to WIP
TTSWIP
Dredges
S4
S3
SWSS
S1 790
Syncrude Canada Ltd.
2010 Directive 074 Submission: Mildred Lake
Page 3 of 39
2 Tailings and Mining Plans
2.1
Tailings Management Strategy
Tailings are stored in both out-of-pit and in-pit facilities. As the mine face advances and
containment dykes are constructed, in-pit storage space is made available and tailings
storage facilities are established. Syncrude’s tailings disposal plan is integrated
throughout all mine areas to optimize the use of available storage capacity. The
objectives of the tailings management strategy are to maximize the use of in-pit capacity
for CT and fluid containment, minimize fluid transfer requirements, and ensure a reliable
recycle water (RCW) supply for plant operations.
The Tailings Plan depends on large dykes to provide containment. These dykes are
licensed dam structures and are designed to ensure geotechnical stability, per Canadian
Dam Association (CDA) and Alberta Dam Safety Branch standards. Dyke designs may
include the use of overburden, tailings sand, or a combination of both. Overburden
dykes are constructed using mobile equipment for material placement, while sand dykes
use standard tailings slurry cell construction techniques. Overburden dyke construction
often entails ‘zonation’ of material through the dyke cross section to maximize utilization
of available overburden material types. Both types of structures are closely monitored to
ensure the geotechnical design criteria are met.
Commercial scale Composite Tailings (CT) operation commenced at Syncrude in 2000
with CT deposition in the EIP facility. CT remains one of the primary technologies for
mature fine tailings1 (MFT) management at Syncrude and is instrumental in achieving
targeted end of mine life MFT inventories. MFT volumes reported at the ML lease have
a range of fines by weight of approximately 10% to 70% with an overall average site
fines by weight of approximately 45%.
To produce CT, coarse tailings are pipelined from the extraction plant to the CT plant,
where they are cycloned to produce a densified coarse tailings stream. The densified
coarse tailings stream is combined with MFT and gypsum to form CT. The CT product is
then transported hydraulically to the designated tailings disposal facility. Once deposited
in the pond, the mixture dewaters relatively rapidly, leaving a soft deposit that is capped
using coarse tailings sand to create a trafficable surface for reclamation.
Syncrude is in the process of implementing MFT centrifuging technology to complement
CT as a fines management technology to reduce MFT inventory volumes to those
assumed in the Mildred Lake C&R Plan. Centrifuging MFT accelerates the release of
water from the MFT deposit and produces a soft, clay-rich soil termed “centrifuge cake”.
There are two main types of deposition areas proposed for centrifuge cake: as an
internal component of out-of-pit overburden structures and within tailings placement
areas. Technology development and deposition planning are being advanced; plans for
centrifuge cake deposition and reclamation will be updated as new information becomes
available. Syncrude proposes to prepare the resulting centrifuge cake deposits for
reclamation as a dry landscape feature by capping with sand or overburden as required.
The implementation of MFT centrifuging technology is proposed to be executed in two
stages; a commercial scale demonstration to begin in 2012, followed by the commercial
facility in 2015.
1
Syncrude uses the terms mature fine tailings (MFT) and fluid fine tailings (FFT) interchangeably
to refer to a fluid deposit composed primarily of tailings fines (<44 micrometers) and water.
Syncrude Canada Ltd.
2010 Directive 074 Submission: Mildred Lake
Page 4 of 39
The current C&R Plan assumes the establishment of two end pit lakes (EPL) at the
Mildred Lake site. The first EPL, namely Base Mine Lake (BML) is currently nearing
completion and will be commissioned during 2012. BML will serve as a demonstration of
water capped MFT technology as a viable reclamation component of the closure
landscape. A second EPL will be created at the north end of the North Mine when
mining operations are completed at the Mildred Lake site. Reclamation of coarse
tailings areas, sand capped CT deposits, and centrifuge cake deposits will create dry
terrestrial landforms that will direct surface drainage towards either BML or EPL before
ultimately joining the regional watershed.
Key tailings planning assumptions are included in table 2.1. The containment chart
shown in Figure 2.1 summarizes total tailings production by type and containment
availability for the Mildred Lake site.
Table 2.1
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
2.2
Key Tailings Planning Assumptions
Item
TVBIP ratio
Extraction recovery
CT sand to fines ratio
Water inventory (year end 2009)
MFT inventory (year end 2009)
BML commissioning
Straight coarse tails slurry Sg
Flotation tails slurry Sg (Stream 73)
Froth tails slurry Sg (Plant 6)
CT slurry Sg
Beach above water slope
Beach below water slope
CT slope
MFT projected consolidation
Unit
%
Mm3
Mm3
Tonnes/m3
Tonnes/m3
Tonnes/m3
Tonnes/m3
%
%
%
%
Mildred Lake
14:1
89.5% - 93.1%
4:1
83
426
2012
1.4
1.15
1.12
1.60
1%
4%
0.5
44.7% - 49.0%
Dedicated Disposal Area (DDA) Strategy
The fines management technology portfolio for the Mildred Lake site includes Composite
Tailings (CT), MFT centrifuging, and MFT water capping in an end-of-pit lake (EPL)
facility. Syncrude’s management strategy prioritizes deposition of MFT and engineered
tailings deposits in mined out pits. Syncrude continues to optimize placement plans to
create dedicated disposal areas for engineered tailings deposits concordant with the
fines sequestration objectives of ERCB Directive 074.
Syncrude Canada Ltd.
2010 Directive 074 Submission: Mildred Lake
Page 5 of 39
2030
2028
2026
2024
2022
2020
2018
2016
2014
2012
2010
2008
Tailings Containment Chart for Mildred Lake
2006
Figure 2.1
2300
2300
2150
2000
Cumulative Tailings Growth (Mm3)
2150
5 Mm3/yr centrifuge cake in
W4 (2015 -2020)
1850
EPL
2000
1850
NMCP
SWSS
draw dow n
1700
1700
1550
1550
NMSP-E
1400
1400
NMSP-W
1250
1250
SWSS
1100
1100
950
950
BML
800
800
Note: To better represent the modeled volumes,
sand, CT and Coke volumes have been zeroed at
year end 2009 and 350Mm3 of the total MFT
volume is not shown for readability.
650
500
650
500
2030
2028
2026
2024
2022
2020
2018
2016
2014
2012
2010
2008
350
2006
350
Years
Sand
Syncrude Canada Ltd.
CT
centrifuge cake
MFT above 350Mm3
2010 Directive 074 Submission: Mildred Lake
Coke
RCW
Contingency
Containment
Page 6 of 39
2.2.1 Current Operations
Syncrude is currently utilizing the EIP and SWIP facilities for the deposition of CT.
The EIP facility is a large beach deposit comprised of CT interlayered with coarse
tailings. A sand cap is currently being placed over the CT / coarse tailings beach deposit
to attain adequate bearing capacity for placement of reclamation material. CT
deposition in the EIP is expected to be completed in 2011 and ongoing sand capping
operations are scheduled to be completed by 2013, with fluid removal completed in
2014.
SWIP is divided into several discrete deposit areas. Overburden berms have been
constructed with intent to isolate coarse tailings used to construct the upstream sand
filter for the South West Dam, from other materials being stored in the SWIP facility.
Initial CT deposition was directed to an isolated cell at the north end of SWIP (SWIP Jr.).
Thin fine tails will be pumped off of the deposit into the main pond area of the SWIP
facility. The isolated cell is now full; CT deposition has begun at the south end of the
main SWIP area. Depending on turbidity, water will be returned to the RCW pond to
support plant operations or to Mildred Lake Settling Basin (MLSB) for further clarification.
SWIP is being utilized and monitored as a test for the design and operation of a
dedicated disposal area. Learnings from this pond will be incorporated into the design,
plans, and fines measurement programs for future DDAs.
2.2.2
Future Dedicated Disposal Areas
Future areas being considered for designation as DDAs are shown in Figure 2.2.
Planning details are subject to change as the overall placement plan and technology is
optimized. DDA plans will be submitted to the ERCB two years prior to the start of
construction for each DDA, as required by Directive 074.
DDA-1 will be in the SWIP tailings facility for CT placement. Overall containment is
provided by in-situ ground to the west and south, and by the SW Dam to the East of the
pond. An upstream sand filter is to be constructed out of coarse tailings to meet the
geotechnical design criteria for the SW Dam. Some coarse tailings will be interlayered
within the CT beach due to operating constraints and time required to react to changing
plant operating conditions. A DDA plan for DDA-1 will be provided to the ERCB by
September 30, 2010.
DDA-2 is proposed to be established within the valley formed by the existing W1
overburden dump and the north slope of the Southwest Sand Storage (SWSS). This
area is being designed as a placement area for centrifuge cake. The deposit formed will
be open-ended towards the SWSS facility at higher elevations and will include centrifuge
cake on final SWSS beaches. DDA-2 will serve as the main deposit area for centrifuge
cake from the MFT centrifuging commercial scale demonstration and, pending
acceptable geotechnical performance, further deposition from the commercial plant. A
DDA plan for DDA-2 will be provided to the ERCB in Q4 2010.
DDA-3a and DDA-3b is proposed to be established on MLSB toe berms and may be
required for supplemental volume of centrifuge cake deposition to support the total
volume required for the MFT centrifuging commercial demonstration project starting in
2012. If required, a DDA plan for DDA-3 will be provided to the ERCB in Q4 2010.
Syncrude Canada Ltd.
2010 Directive 074 Submission: Mildred Lake
Page 7 of 39
DDA-4 will be located within the mined out North Mine South Pit (NMSP), and will be
developed in stages. The North-South Dyke will contain the initial deposition of CT in
North Mine South Pit – West (NMSP-W) starting in 2013. CT deposition will continue
within the pit area until NMSP-E becomes available in 2015. Containment for NMSP-E
is provided by the NS Dyke to the West, in-situ ground to the south, the Sulphur platform
and T-Dam to the east, and the East West Dyke 1 to the north. NMSP-W and NMSP-E
eventually join to become one deposit area (NMSP). At the end of mining, the NMSP
does not achieve final planned closure topography with coarse tailings and CT; therefore
this DDA will progress further with the deposition of centrifuge cake to complete the
closure topography.
DDA-5 will be located within the out of pit W4 Dump overburden structure. An
approximate 5m base lift and ribs will be built with overburden, which will allow for
centrifuged cake to be deposited between the ribs. This design is currently under
review.
DDA-6 will be located within the North Mine Center Pit (NMCP) for the placement of
centrifuge cake on the base of feed.
Syncrude Canada Ltd.
2010 Directive 074 Submission: Mildred Lake
Page 8 of 39
2.2.3 Additional Activities
Fines management remains a focus for research and development (R&D) efforts at
Syncrude. R&D activities are concentrated on continuous improvement and reclamation
for the proposed fines management technologies (CT, MFT centrifuging and MFT water
capping) as well as continued exploration of new alternatives. Depending on the
success of this work, the future DDA plans may be adjusted to include new technologies
or adjustments to design and operating procedures.
Continued monitoring and research on sand capping and reclamation performance is
being conducted on EIP. As results become available, designs for SWIP and NMSP may
be adjusted as required.
2.2.4 Fines Management
Figure 2.3 displays estimated MFT inventory for the Mildred Lake Project assuming both
continued reliance on CT and the staged implementation of MFT centrifuging
technology. The use of MFT centrifuging technology in addition to CT will allow
Syncrude to reduce MFT inventories at the end of mine life to levels contemplated in the
approved C&R Plan. The remaining fluid fines inventory at the end of mine life will be
stored in two End Pit Lakes (EPL); namely the Base Mine Lake and the North Mine EPL.
Figure 2.3
MFT Inventory Curve
600
400
3
MFT volume (Mm )
500
300
200
100
Historical Modeled Projections
0
1970
1980
1990
2000
2010
2020
2030
2040
2050
Year End
Syncrude Canada Ltd.
2010 Directive 074 Submission: Mildred Lake
Page 10 of 39
2.3
Reconciliation to Approved Plan
The tailings management strategy outlined in this submission remains unchanged from
the 2009 tailings plan submission. The mining rate has been increased resulting in
changes in timing for tailings placement; however, the projected MFT inventory curve
remains unchanged. This plan also includes a change in mining TVBIP ratio from 12 to
14.
The tailings plan included in this submission supports the landform and drainage
features included in the C&R Plan approved by AENV in 2007.
2.4
Opportunities Under Consideration
Syncrude will be updating its tailings management plans to reflect business/strategic
decisions being made. Opportunities currently under consideration that would potentially
result in changes to future tailings plans include:
•
Update of plans to reflect field results from ongoing centrifuge pilot plants.
Syncrude Canada Ltd.
2010 Directive 074 Submission: Mildred Lake
Page 11 of 39
3 Planning Details
3.1
Mining
The North Mine overburden development sequence is shown on Figure 3.1, with
corresponding ore production rates provided in Table 3.1. Table 3.1 also includes ore
quality parameters derived from the Syncrude geology block model. The North Mine
advances west and north until 2012 in order to expose dyke footprint areas in
preparation for in-pit tailings, while allowing for ore blending and dyke construction. After
2012 the west area is complete and the mine progresses to the north. At the planned
mining rates, North Mine resource depletion is scheduled for 2023.
The overburden and interburden disposal schedule is shown in Table 3.2.
Table 3.1
Mine Plan Ore Summary
Grade
Water
Solids
Fines
(<44u m)
Coarse solids
(>44u m)
% (weight)
% (weight)
% (weight)
% (weight)
% (weight)
10.6%
10.5%
10.8%
10.0%
10.1%
9.7%
9.9%
9.9%
10.1%
10.3%
10.9%
10.8%
11.1%
3.6%
3.6%
3.6%
3.6%
3.6%
3.6%
3.6%
3.6%
3.6%
3.6%
3.6%
3.6%
3.6%
85.7%
85.9%
85.6%
86.4%
86.2%
86.6%
86.5%
86.5%
86.3%
86.1%
85.5%
85.5%
85.2%
23.9%
23.4%
22.5%
25.1%
26.7%
26.4%
24.3%
25.0%
22.1%
21.0%
18.7%
19.7%
18.8%
76.1%
76.6%
77.5%
74.9%
73.3%
73.6%
75.7%
75.0%
77.9%
79.0%
81.3%
80.3%
81.2%
Ore
Year
2011
2012
2013
2014
2015
2016
2017
2018
2019
2020
2021
2022
2023
Million
Tonnes
120.8
125.3
124.7
129.4
129.3
124.4
120.0
120.0
120.0
120.0
120.0
120.0
53.2
Syncrude Canada Ltd.
2010 Directive 074 Submission: Mildred Lake
Recovered
Bitumen
Barrels (per ID 20017)
71.9
73.3
75.1
71.2
72.4
65.8
64.7
64.9
66.9
68.7
73.3
72.9
33.2
Page 12 of 39
Figure 3.1
North Mine Development Sequence
20 23
2 022
2 02 1
2 020
20 19
201 8
2 015
20 17
20 14
201 6
2 013
2 012
20 15
2 01 2
201 4
20 11
20 13
201 2
201 1
20 11
PROJECT:
2010 ANNUAL TAILINGS PLAN
TITLE:
Mine Development Sequen ce
DESIGN
CADD
CHECK
REVIEW
Syncrude Canada Ltd.
SCALE: N/A
REV 0
2010 Directive 074 Submission: Mildred Lake
FIGURE 3. 1
Page 13 of 39
Table 3.2
Year
Mine Plan Waste Summary
Overburden (OB)
Interburden (IB)
Total OBIB
Plant Rejects
Million BCM
Million BCM
Million BCM
Million BCM
76.7
77.6
67.6
58.0
65.3
54.1
56.4
70.7
74.2
99.9
92.5
87.8
24.7
7.3
5.4
1.5
8.2
11.3
19.9
25.0
20.2
17.5
18.7
17.5
14.7
10.3
84.0
83.0
69.1
66.2
76.6
74.0
81.4
90.9
91.7
118.6
110.0
102.5
35.0
3.4
3.2
2.8
1.7
1.6
1.3
1.2
1.2
1.2
1.2
1.2
1.2
1.2
2011
2012
2013
2014
2015
2016
2017
2018
2019
2020
2021
2022
2023
Note: Reclamation material and miscellaneous rejects are not included above
3.2
Tailings
The tailings production schedule is shown in Table 3.3. The tailings volumes shown in
the table represent final deposit volumes. Active tailings placement facilities currently
include the MLSB and SWSS out-of-pit facilities and the WIP, EIP, and SWIP in-pit
facilities.
The tailings disposal sequence at the Mildred Lake site balances fluid containment
needs and dyke construction, while incorporating key closure initiatives. The tailings
disposal schedule is closely integrated with the mine plan; in-pit tailings storage space is
utilized as soon as it becomes available. The integrated tailings plan considers the
requirement for four different pond functions: CT deposition, MFT storage, coke storage
and process water storage and clarification. The tailings plan is based on the following
key assumptions:
•
•
•
•
•
Sand allocation consistent with the following priorities:
o Containment construction (including construction of upstream sand filters
on overburden dykes),
o Geotechnical beaching requirements,
o CT capping, and
o Maximization of CT production with remaining sand.
Use of additional fluid containment at the SWSS facility as it becomes available
WIP transitions to BML in 2012;
Tailings placement in NMSP-W commencing in 2013; and in NMSP-E in 2015
Staged implementation of MFT centrifuging technology begins in 2012 with a
commercial scale demonstration.
Tailings deposit types and volumes for each facility are included in Table 4.3.
Syncrude Canada Ltd.
2010 Directive 074 Submission: Mildred Lake
Page 14 of 39
Table 3.3
Year
Mildred Lake Tailings Production Summary
Mildred
Mildred
Aurora
Lake Fines
Lake
Froth Fines
Production to Rejects
Million
Tonnes/y
Million
Tonnes/y
Million
Tonnes/y
Cyclone
Overflow
Coarse Tailings
Cell
3
Beach
3
Mm /y Mm /y
CT
Total
3
Mm /y
3
Mm /y
3
Mm /y
Froth
Flotation
Treatment
Tailings
Tailings
3
Mm /y
3
Mm /y
Coke
Centrifuge
Cake (@
65% by wt.)
3
Mm /y
3
Mm /y
2011
120.8
0.9
1.5
8.4
38.3
46.7
0.5
7.0
1.8
2.1
3.1
2012
125.3
1.0
1.5
4.0
44.5
48.5
0.5
7.7
1.9
2.2
3.4
1.1
2013
124.7
0.9
1.5
2.0
46.6
48.5
0.5
7.5
1.9
2.2
3.4
1.1
2014
129.4
1.0
1.7
0.8
33.8
34.6
1.5
22.2
2.0
2.3
3.6
2.4
2015
129.3
1.0
1.7
34.0
34.0
1.5
21.5
2.0
2.3
3.7
7.7
2016
124.4
0.9
1.6
33.0
33.0
1.4
20.9
1.9
2.2
4.1
7.8
2017
120.0
0.9
1.7
32.4
32.4
1.4
20.8
1.8
2.2
4.6
7.8
2018
120.0
0.9
1.6
32.2
32.2
1.4
20.6
1.8
2.2
5.0
7.9
2019
120.0
0.9
1.7
32.8
32.8
1.4
21.5
1.8
2.1
5.6
8.0
2020
120.0
0.9
1.6
33.0
33.0
1.4
21.8
1.8
2.1
5.8
8.0
2021
120.0
0.9
1.6
33.2
33.2
1.4
22.4
1.8
2.1
5.9
8.1
2022
120.0
0.9
1.6
33.1
33.1
1.4
22.1
1.8
2.1
6.0
6.8
2023
53.2
0.4
1.5
24.9
24.9
0.8
0.9
4.9
6.8
2024
1.5
0.4
4.1
5.4
2025
1.5
0.4
4.1
5.4
2026
1.7
0.5
5.1
5.4
2027
1.5
0.4
5.6
5.4
2028
1.6
0.4
5.7
5.4
2029
1.5
0.4
5.7
5.4
2030
1.5
0.4
5.6
5.4
2031
1.6
0.5
5.8
5.4
2032
1.7
0.5
5.7
5.4
2033
1.6
0.5
5.6
5.4
2034
1.6
0.5
5.6
5.4
2035
1.6
0.5
5.7
5.4
2036
1.5
0.4
5.6
5.4
2037
1.6
0.5
5.9
5.4
2038
1.2
0.3
6.6
5.4
2039
5.1
5.4
2040
5.2
5.4
2041
5.3
5.4
2042
5.2
5.4
2043
5.3
5.4
2044
4.1
5.4
2045
2.8
5.4
2046
2.7
Note: all tailings volumes shown represent deposit volumes.
* Fines Capture = (Weight of fines in CT + Weight of fines in centrifuge cake) / (Weight of fines in ore - Weight of fines in rejects)
Syncrude Canada Ltd.
2010 Directive 074 Submission: Mildred Lake
MFT
Water
(Cumulative) (Cumulative)
Mm
3
452.2
463.2
473.0
482.7
486.3
488.9
488.0
487.8
483.8
478.2
469.7
466.9
463.0
457.2
451.3
445.7
439.8
434.1
428.2
422.4
416.8
411.1
405.4
399.7
394.0
388.2
382.6
376.2
368.4
360.5
352.7
344.8
336.9
329.1
321.2
319.4
Mm
3
83.8
117.4
129.8
143.2
153.8
169.5
175.4
170.3
189.4
182.0
178.0
179.6
201.2
241.1
257.2
295.9
277.9
264.5
243.2
231.2
210.5
197.9
189.3
176.3
155.4
144.5
145.6
146.6
147.6
148.5
149.4
150.3
151.1
151.9
187.7
185.8
Fines Capture *
(by CT and centrifuge cake)
Annually
as % of
fines in
Feed
9.3%
14.7%
14.8%
34.6%
50.1%
52.1%
59.0%
57.3%
66.9%
71.7%
83.1%
71.1%
83.1%
-
Annually
Cumulative
Million
Tonnes/y
Million
Tonnes
2.2
3.6
3.4
9.4
14.4
14.3
14.4
14.4
14.7
14.9
15.1
13.7
6.7
5.4
5.4
5.4
5.4
5.4
5.4
5.4
5.4
5.4
5.4
5.4
5.4
5.4
5.4
5.4
5.4
5.4
5.4
5.4
5.4
5.4
5.4
-
4.3
7.9
11.3
20.6
35.1
49.4
63.8
78.1
92.8
107.7
122.9
136.6
143.3
148.7
154.1
159.5
164.9
170.3
175.7
181.1
186.5
191.9
197.3
202.7
208.1
213.5
218.9
224.2
229.6
235.0
240.4
245.8
251.2
256.6
262.0
262.0
Page 15 of 39
3.2.1 Mildred Lake Settling Basin:
The MLSB is used primarily as a fluid storage facility. It currently provides storage for
MFT, coke, flotation tailings (Stream 73), froth treatment tailings (Plant 6), and recycle
water for plant operations. Annual MFT transfers out of the facility are required to
maintain an adequate recycle water layer and the overall fluid elevation within the design
freeboard allowance for the structure.
Coke deposition will continue along the west side of MLSB until approximately 2018.
Stream 73 and Plant 6 tailings placement will continue along the south and east side of
MLSB for an indefinite duration, maximizing beach infilling volume.
MLSB is planned to remain a primary source of recycle water for plant operation for an
indefinite duration. Post mining, MLSB will continue to be the source of MFT for MFT
centrifuging and the remaining fluid (MFT and water) will be transferred to the North
Mine EPL at closure.
3.2.2 West In-Pit:
WIP will be converted to BML in 2012. Annual MFT transfers from MLSB to WIP are
required to establish the required MFT inventory for the planned end pit lake commercial
demonstration. WIP remains a primary source of recycle water for plant operation until
the commissioning of BML in 2012. The creation of BML effectively removes WIP from
the tailings circuit at the Mildred Lake site. To function as planned, BML must support
fresh water inflows as well as an outflow. Initially, the outflow will be absorbed within
overall fluid balance and reused as recycle water for bitumen production purposes.
3.2.3 East In-Pit:
EIP is currently an active deposition area for CT and coarse tailings beach. In 2010, the
EIP will have reached its final CT containment capacity. The EIP area will be capped
using hydraulically placed coarse tailings sand in preparation for reclamation and closure
of the facility. Sand capping began at the north end of the facility in 2008 and is
scheduled to be completed in 2013, with final fluid transfer in 2014. CT deposition and
subsequent sand capping are being advanced from north to south to permit progressive
reclamation of the facility.
3.2.4 Southwest In-Pit:
The SWIP facility has commenced operation in 2007, with the transfer of MFT into the
facility. CT placement in SWIP began in 2010. Subsequent to the completion of CT
placement in the EIP, SWIP will become the primary deposition area for CT.
In addition to CT placement, some coarse tailings beaching is required to create an
upstream sand filter along the Southwest Dam on the east side of SWIP in order to meet
geotechnical design requirements. SWIP will also provide temporary storage for MFT to
ensure a sustained MFT supply to the CT plant as the WIP is converted to BML in 2012.
As BML is commissioned, SWIP will replace WIP as a primary source of recycle water
for plant operations.
SWIP will be capped with sand starting approximately in 2018 in preparation for
reclamation and closure of the facility as a dry landscape unit.
Syncrude Canada Ltd.
2010 Directive 074 Submission: Mildred Lake
Page 16 of 39
3.2.5 Southwest Sand Storage:
Syncrude has obtained approval to modify the SWSS dyke design to create interim fluid
containment capacity within the approved SWSS facility footprint. MFT accumulation at
the SWSS will be maximized in 2015. MFT will subsequently be removed from the
SWSS facility as sufficient tailings storage space becomes available for fluid
containment in the North Mine. Removal of the MFT out of the SWSS facility by fluid
transfer or through the MFT centrifuging process will be completed in 2023. All fluids will
be transferred out of the SWSS, the dyke will be breached for closure and reclamation of
the structure as a dry landscape feature.
3.2.6 North Mine South Pond Storage:
The North Mine in-pit tailings dykes are to be constructed using overburden material.
The construction of the North Mine North-South Dyke began in 2007 and is to be
completed in 2014. The North-South Dyke is an intermediate dyke partitioning the
NMSP to allow for earliest tailings disposal in the North Mine area. The North Mine
East-West Dyke 1 will also be constructed within the North Mine to complete
containment for the NMSP.
Tailings deposition in the NMSP will commence in 2013. The smaller west portion of the
NMSP facility will be developed first (protected by the North-South Dyke) with the east
portion of the NMSP following as the primary in-pit space available. The NMSP will be
utilized for the storage of CT and coarse tailings materials. That facility will also provide
MFT storage and serve as a recycle pond to meet plant recycle water demand. Further
details on proposed DDA development in the NMSP are included in Section 2.2.2.
In the last few years of active mining, the plans for the NMSP are to transfer any
remaining fluids to the NMCP, and to sand cap the CT deposit in NMSP. Once
complete, however, the final sand-capped surface does not achieve the closure design
surface that will allow drainage of the NMSP towards BML, therefore the remainder of
the MFT, above and beyond what can be stored in BML and EPL, will be centrifuged and
deposited on NMSP. Once complete, the area will be reclaimed as a dry landscape
feature.
3.2.7 North Mine Center Pond Storage:
Deposition of tailings in the NMCP will be initiated as deposition in the NMSP nears
completion. The primary function of the NMCP will be as MFT and coke storage, as
mine operations at the Mildred Lake site near completion. It will also become the MFT
feed source for the centrifuge plant. At completion, any remaining fluid from the NMCP
will be transferred to the North Mine EPL. NMCP provides a deposition location for all
the coke from the continued operation of the Upgrading facilities (approximately to
2077).
3.2.8 North Mine End Pit Lake
The North Mine EPL is planned to be the final mining area at the Mildred Lake site.
Once mining is complete, MFT will be transferred into the EPL from the NMCP and
MLSB. The facility will be developed as a water capped MFT deposit, subject to the
validation of the EPL concept through the BML demonstration.
Syncrude Canada Ltd.
2010 Directive 074 Submission: Mildred Lake
Page 17 of 39
3.3
Key Milestones
The integrated mining/tailings plan is illustrated for the years 2010, 2012, 2013, 2015,
2018 and 2023 in Figures 3.2 to 3.7. Fluid elevations are posted at relevant locations.
Active tailings placement areas in 2010 (Figure 3.2) are MLSB, SWSS, EIP, WIP and
SWIP. The N/S dyke and E/W dyke 1 are being constructed in preparation for future
tailings containment in North Mine. The W1 dump is the main location for hauling nonconstruction mine waste.
In 2012 (Figure 3.3), progress is shown in building N/S dyke and E/W dyke 1 and
continued use of the active tailings placement areas. WIP has been isolated and the
BML demonstration has been initiated. W4 dump footprint has been established and it
becomes the major location for non-construction mine waste. Centrifuge cake deposition
begins at the north end of SWSS and on the MLSB beaches.
The 2013 status (Figure 3.4) shows that the EIP has been sand capped in preparation
for closure of the facility. The N/S dyke is being completed and coarse tailings beach
and CT are being placed in NMSP-W. The E/W dyke 1 is progressing in preparation for
future tailings containment.
By 2015 (Figure 3.5), the E/W dyke 1 is mostly completed and CT and coarse tailings
beach are being placed in NMPS-E. Centrifuge cake deposition has started in the W4
Dump and on NMSP beaches. The W4 Dump is the primary location for nonconstruction mine waste.
Figure 3.6 shows that by 2018 E/W Dyke 2 has begun and centrifuge cake is being
placed on the NMCP base of feed as mining advances as well as in the W4 Dump &
NMSP beaches. Coke placement has moved into NMCP.
North mine ore and waste removal is complete in 2023 (Figure 3.7). Tailings storage
requirements continue at the ML lease until 2045 due to Aurora North production (2038),
continued centrifuge cake deposition in the NMSP until 2045, and coke storage (50
years available capacity).
Syncrude Canada Ltd.
2010 Directive 074 Submission: Mildred Lake
Page 18 of 39
4 Construction Details
The North Mine waste availability by construction material type and specification is as
shown in Table 4.1. The high spec. volume available is 35% of the total Kc-clay bench
and 42% of the total Kcw/marine oilsand and interburden mine benches. The medium
spec. volume available is 80% of remaining upper overburden benches. Mine benches
are designed to maximize the availability of material types that are suitable for required
geotechnical specifications of planned structures. The volume planned for placement in
structures is also shown by material type. The limited availabilities on total construction
material to meet minimum required geotechnical specifications account for weather and
operational restrictions that prevent placement in structures.
Table 4.1
Year
2011
2012
2013
2014
2015
2016
2017
2018
2019
2020
2021
2022
2023
Mine Waste Construction Material Schedule
High Spec.
Available
Planned
(42%IB,Kcw,
use
35%Kc)
MBCM
MBCM
10.7
9.7
21.0
10.2
15.2
7.5
17.3
12.2
19.5
8.2
14.2
2.1
16.4
6.1
16.0
15.9
16.7
14.6
22.4
4.1
20.2
20.9
8.4
2.4
Medium Spec.
Available
Planned
(80%
use
remaining)
MBCM
MBCM
61.5
15.2
49.6
22.0
44.8
27.8
40.8
33.4
45.6
4.5
47.8
2.1
51.9
29.2
59.9
30.1
60.0
35.9
76.9
24.2
71.8
0.9
65.3
21.2
1.1
Low Spec.
TOTAL WASTE
Available
Planned
use
Available
Planned
use
MBCM
15.1
15.6
11.9
9.8
13.0
13.3
14.2
16.2
16.2
20.5
19.2
17.5
6.5
MBCM
1.1
1.4
7.0
6.8
5.1
6.6
0.2
MBCM
87.3
86.2
71.9
67.9
78.1
75.3
82.5
92.1
92.9
119.8
111.2
103.7
36.1
MBCM
26.0
33.6
35.3
52.6
19.5
9.3
35.3
46.0
50.5
34.9
0.9
3.7
High spec material that is not scheduled to dykes in the last 3 years of mining will be
available for elements of the closure plan as required and incorporated into the plan as
identified (ex. waterways or canals that need to be constructed and/or lined).
The North Mine Waste Disposal Schedule by placement area is shown in Table 4.2.
Miscellaneous material (misc.) includes BML Littoral Zone, Industrial Landfill, Flue Gas
Desulphurization (FGD) Landfill, NWQ Diverter Dam, Hwy 63 Bridge Area/BMD, and OB
Berms required to support Upstream Sand filters for In-pit overburden dykes.
Syncrude Canada Ltd.
2010 Directive 074 Submission: Mildred Lake
Page 25 of 39
Table 4.2
Year
2011
2012
2013
2014
2015
2016
2017
2018
2019
2020
2021
2022
2023
Mine Waste Disposal Schedule
Dyke Construction
E/W
E/W
Dyke 1
Dyke 2
MBCM
MBCM
MBCM
3.2
17.7
6.0
26.4
37.5
47.7
16.6
7.1
36.1
45.9
50.4
34.8
0.9
-
Waste Dumps
W1
700
600
W4
NIP
Misc.
Total
Waste
MBCM
45.0
-
MBCM
10.0
0.3
-
MBCM
-
MBCM
45.4
34.2
15.3
58.0
65.7
46.1
45.9
14.5
34.5
36.0
MBCM
27.7
84.7
107.1
69.1
-
MBCM
11.50
8.2
0.2
4.9
3.5
2.5
0.4
0.3
0.3
0.3
3.2
0.2
0.2
MBCM
87.4
86.3
71.9
67.9
78.1
75.3
82.6
92.1
92.9
119.8
111.2
103.8
36.2
N/S Dyke
The tailings disposal schedule by placement area is shown in Tables 4.3 and 4.4. The
breakdown is by storage facility and material type. Values represent incremental deposit
volumes from 2010 onward (MFT and water are net volumes).
4.1
Southwest Sand Storage
Construction of the centerline dyke at the SWSS facility will be achieved through
conventional cell construction techniques using coarse tailings material. Centerline dyke
volume (crest elevation of 400 masl) is approximately 27 Mm3 with an estimated beach
volume of 70 Mm3, based on an average 28% cell capture for cell construction. The
construction of the dyke will be accomplished in four lifts from 2010 (390 masl) to 2013
(400 masl).
Syncrude Canada Ltd.
2010 Directive 074 Submission: Mildred Lake
Page 26 of 39
Table 4.3
Tailings Disposal Schedule
Southwest Sand Storage
(SWSS)
Mildred Lake Settling Basin (MLSB)
Year
2011
2012
2013
2014
2015
2016
2017
2018
2019
2020
2021
2022
2023
2024
2025
2026
2027
2028
2029
2030
2031
2032
2033
2034
2035
2036
2037
2038
2039
2040
2041
2042
2043
2044
2045
2046
Plant 6
Tailings
2.1
2.2
2.2
2.3
2.3
2.2
2.2
2.2
2.1
2.1
2.1
2.1
0.9
0.4
0.4
0.5
0.4
0.4
0.4
0.4
0.5
0.5
0.5
0.5
0.5
0.4
0.5
0.3
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
Stream 73
Coke
MFT
Water
SCT
MFT
Water
1.8
1.9
1.9
2.0
2.0
1.9
1.8
1.8
1.8
1.8
1.8
1.8
0.8
-
3.1
3.4
3.4
3.6
3.7
4.1
4.6
5.0
-
177.9
170.3
162.8
154.9
147.0
146.7
138.1
129.1
125.1
121.1
117.1
113.2
114.4
114.0
113.6
113.1
112.7
112.2
111.8
111.4
110.9
110.4
110.0
109.5
109.1
103.1
97.3
90.9
80.9
63.8
56.8
49.8
42.8
35.7
28.7
27.6
25.0
25.0
25.0
25.0
25.0
25.0
25.0
25.0
25.0
25.0
25.0
25.0
30.0
30.0
30.0
30.0
30.0
30.0
30.0
30.0
30.0
30.0
30.0
30.0
30.0
25.0
25.0
25.0
30.0
26.6
26.6
26.6
26.6
26.6
48.6
32.0
26.6
26.7
20.3
13.1
-
60.0
72.3
84.6
93.8
104.8
103.7
87.7
71.8
56.1
40.5
25.1
10.0
-
10.0
14.0
16.0
14.0
14.0
14.0
14.0
14.0
14.0
14.0
10.0
2.0
-
MLSB toe
berm &
SWSS/W1
Valley
*Centrifuge
Cake
1.1
1.1
2.4
-
West In-Pit (WIP)
Cyclone
O/F
0.5
-
East In-Pit (EIP)
MFT
Water
CT
SCT
MFT
Water
199.9
204.2
198.4
193.6
189.4
185.7
182.2
179.0
176.0
173.3
170.8
168.4
166.2
164.1
162.2
160.3
158.6
156.9
155.4
153.8
152.4
151.1
149.9
148.6
147.4
146.3
145.3
144.3
143.3
142.3
141.5
140.6
139.7
139.0
138.2
137.4
21.8
36.7
42.5
47.2
51.4
55.2
58.7
61.9
64.8
67.5
70.1
72.4
74.7
76.8
78.7
80.6
82.3
84.0
85.5
87.0
88.4
89.8
91.0
92.3
93.4
94.5
95.6
96.6
97.6
98.5
99.4
100.3
101.1
101.9
102.7
103.4
-
8.4
9.2
10.3
-
1.0
1.0
1.0
-
2.0
1.5
1.5
-
3
Note: all numbers are in million m and represent Incremental deposit volumes from 2008 onward (MFT and water are net volumes)
* North Mine North Pond (NMNP) is called End of Pit Lake (EPL)
* Centrifuge cake volumes are reported at 65% solids by weight
Syncrude Canada Ltd.
2010 Directive 074 Submission: Mildred Lake
Page 27 of 39
Table 4.4
Tailings Disposal Schedule (continued)
Southwest In-Pit (SWIP)
North Mine South Pond (NMSP)
W4 Dump
End of Pit Lake
(EPL)
North Mine Center Pond (NMCP)
Year
CT
2011
2012
2013
2014
2015
2016
2017
2018
2019
2020
2021
2022
2023
2024
2025
2026
2027
2028
2029
2030
2031
2032
2033
2034
2035
2036
2037
2038
2039
2040
2041
2042
2043
2044
2045
2046
7.0
7.7
5.0
6.7
6.0
7.1
7.3
7.6
8.6
6.5
-
SCT Cyclone
O/F
11.7
12.6
0.5
15.5
0.5
12.8
1.5
10.2
1.5
8.3
1.4
6.8
1.4
7.4
1.4
8.2
8.2
13.3
-
MFT
Water
CT
SCT
MFT
13.4
15.4
25.6
34.1
30.6
22.9
15.3
11.2
-
25.0
40.2
26.0
24.0
24.0
20.0
12.0
10.0
5.0
5.0
2.0
-
2.5
15.5
15.5
13.8
13.5
13.0
12.9
15.3
22.4
22.1
-
2.4
8.7
23.8
24.8
25.6
24.8
24.6
24.7
19.9
33.1
24.9
-
0.6
6.3
14.5
29.8
64.7
96.7
85.0
65.0
45.0
30.0
32.0
20.0
-
*Centrifuge
Cake
2.2
1.8
1.3
0.9
3.0
3.0
8.1
6.8
6.8
5.4
5.4
5.4
5.4
5.4
5.4
5.4
5.4
5.4
5.4
5.4
5.4
5.4
5.4
5.4
5.4
5.4
5.4
5.4
5.4
5.4
5.4
-
Water *Centrifuge
Cake
18.8
33.0
39.4
5.0
55.3
5.0
65.7
5.0
59.4
5.0
35.0
5.0
30.0
5.0
20.0
15.0
12.0
5.0
-
Coke
5.6
5.8
5.9
6.0
4.9
4.1
4.1
5.1
5.6
5.7
5.7
5.6
5.8
5.7
5.6
5.6
5.7
5.6
5.9
6.6
5.1
5.2
5.3
5.2
5.3
4.1
2.8
2.7
Cyclone
O/F
1.4
1.4
1.4
1.4
-
MFT
41.5
78.3
111.7
145.3
150.4
150.0
140.0
130.0
110.0
100.0
90.0
80.0
70.0
60.0
52.0
44.0
36.0
20.0
10.0
-
*Centrifug
e Cake
0.5
1.0
1.5
2.0
-
Water
MFT
Water
45.6
40.4
50.9
65.2
84.5
100.0
90.0
80.0
80.0
70.0
60.0
50.0
40.0
30.0
20.0
15.0
5.0
5.0
5.0
-
9.1
35.6
42.3
58.6
64.9
71.0
77.2
83.4
89.6
93.6
97.5
101.5
118.7
129.9
141.1
144.2
154.4
154.4
154.4
154.4
154.4
154.4
154.4
29.3
58.5
105.3
85.6
80.6
67.7
64.2
52.1
48.1
48.3
39.1
27.0
20.0
20.0
25.0
20.0
23.4
23.4
23.4
23.4
23.4
36.4
50.4
3
Note: all numbers are in million m and represent Incremental deposit volumes from 2008 onward (MFT and water are net volumes)
* North Mine North Pond (NMNP) is called End of Pit Lake (EPL)
* Centrifuge cake volumes are reported at 65% solids by weight
Syncrude Canada Ltd.
2010 Directive 074 Submission: Mildred Lake
Page 28 of 39
4.2
North-South Dyke and East-West Dyke 1
The North Mine in-pit tailings dykes are to be constructed using overburden material.
The construction of the North-South Dyke began in 2007 and is scheduled for
completion in 2012. The North-South Dyke is an intermediate dyke partitioning the
NMSP to allow for earlier tailings disposal in the North Mine South Pond – West (NMSPW), while protecting mine equipment and facilities operating at pit bottom.
Figure 4.1 & Figure 4.2 show the current asbuilts for the North-South Dyke and East
West Dyke 1 respectively (refer to the 2010 status map in Figure 3.2 for an overview of
the entire North-South Dyke footprint configuration relative to other features). Typical
design cross sections for the North-South Dyke and the East-West Dyke 1 are illustrated
in Figures 4.3 and Figure 4.4 respectively.
The construction schedule for the North Mine in-pit dykes is shown in Table 4.5 below.
Table 4.5
Structure Construction Schedule
Year
2011
2012
2013
2014
2015
2016
2017
2018
2019
2020
2021
2023
4.3
E/W Dyke 1
E/W Dyke 2
N/S Dyke
Volume Elevation Volume Elevation Volume Elevation
MBCM
masl.
MBCM
masl.
MBCM
masl.
3.2
274-292
17.7
250-286
6.0
292
26.4
250-294
37.5
255-330
47.7
295-330
16.6
320-330
7.1
330
36.1
255
45.9
270
50.4
288
34.8
310
0.9
310
-
East-West Dyke 2
The East-West Dyke 2 will be constructed within the North Mine to create the NMCP (to
the south) and the EPL (to the north). Table 4.5 shows the annual volume placement
and average top elevation(s) of the in-pit structures.
Syncrude Canada Ltd.
2010 Directive 074 Submission: Mildred Lake
Page 29 of 39
Figure 4.1
North South Dyke Asbuilt (year end 2009)
NS Dyke
269.4m
277m
NMSP-W
281m
286m
276.2m
6320
000
Figure 4.2
4550
00
291.5m
*Asbuilt as of January 1, 2010
North-South Dyke Typical Design Cross Section
Core
(7H:1V Overall Slope)
O/B Berm
Syncrude Canada Ltd.
Interior Shell
286m Crest
292m
Main Shell
286m Crest
2010 Directive 074 Submission: Mildred Lake
All Weather Core
(12H:1V Overall Slope)
Page 30 of 39
Figure 4.3
East-West Dyke 1 Asbuilt (year end 2009)
6320
EW Dyke1
000
00
248.5m
4550
272.6m
Figure 4.4
283.5m
*Asbuilt as of January 1, 2010
East-West Dyke 1 Typical Design Cross Section
304m
314m
2m Core South
325m
All Weather Core
314m
2m Core North
Interior Shell
(Kc-clays)
Syncrude Canada Ltd.
2010 Directive 074 Submission: Mildred Lake
294m
284m
274m
Main Shell
(Kcw/IB)
Page 31 of 39
264m
254m
5 Site Wide Material Balance
A projected site wide material balance is provided in Tables 5.1 to 5.3. The modeled
values are provided in three parts: Sand Management (> 44µ Solids Fraction), Fines
Management (< 44µ Solids Fraction and Mildred Lake Free (i.e. Recycle) Water
Management.
Syncrude Canada Ltd.
2010 Directive 074 Submission: Mildred Lake
Page 32 of 39
Table 5.1
Site Wide Material Balance - Sand Management
Sand Management (> 44µ Solids Fraction)
Year
Recovered
Bitumen
(per ID
2001-7 )
Net Feed Sand
Sand in feed (dry
Rejects
Mt)
MBBl
2011
2012
2013
2014
2015
2016
2017
2018
2019
2020
2021
2022
2023
2024
2025
2026
2027
2028
2029
2030
2031
2032
2033
2034
2035
2036
2037
2038
71.9
73.3
75.1
71.2
72.4
65.8
64.7
64.9
66.9
68.7
73.3
72.9
33.2
-
Mildred
Lake
78.8
82.8
82.7
83.7
81.7
79.3
78.5
77.8
80.6
81.6
83.4
82.4
36.8
-
Aurora
North
0.6
0.6
0.6
0.6
0.6
0.6
0.6
0.6
0.6
0.6
0.6
0.6
0.6
0.6
0.6
0.6
0.6
0.6
0.6
0.6
0.6
0.6
0.6
0.6
0.6
0.6
0.6
0.4
Sand in Slurry Streams
Pri.
Extract
Sand
Sec.
Extract
Sand
Froth
Treat.
Sand
(dry Mt) (dry Mt) (dry Mt) (dry Mt)
3.7
3.8
3.8
3.9
3.9
3.8
3.7
3.7
3.7
3.6
3.6
3.6
1.6
-
69.9
73.5
73.6
74.2
72.2
70.2
69.7
69.0
71.8
72.8
74.6
73.7
33.2
-
2.7
2.8
2.8
2.9
2.9
2.8
2.7
2.7
2.7
2.7
2.7
2.7
1.2
-
3.1
3.2
3.2
3.3
3.3
3.2
3.1
3.1
3.1
3.1
3.1
3.1
1.4
0.6
0.6
0.6
0.6
0.6
0.6
0.6
0.6
0.6
0.6
0.6
0.6
0.6
0.6
0.4
Cycloned &
Straight Coarse
Tails Sand
NonSand to
Cycloned
CT
Sand
Cyclones
(dry Mt)
(dry Mt)
60.5
63.2
63.6
44.5
43.3
42.1
41.8
41.4
43.1
43.7
44.8
44.2
33.2
-
9.4
10.3
10.0
29.7
28.9
28.1
27.9
27.6
28.7
29.1
29.9
29.5
-
Sand to Deposits
SCT
Cell
SCT Cyclone CT (U/F) Sand to
Beach
O/F
Feedstock new MFT
(dry Mt) (dry Mt) (dry Mt)
10.7
5.2
2.5
1.0
-
48.9
57.1
60.1
42.8
42.6
41.4
41.2
40.7
42.4
43.0
44.1
43.5
32.7
-
0.6
0.7
0.6
1.9
1.9
1.8
1.8
1.8
1.8
1.9
1.9
1.9
-
Other Information
Froth
Tails
Float /
Middlings
Sand in
MFT to
CT
CT
% Sand to
Deposit CT process
(dry Mt)
(dry Mt)
(dry Mt)
(dry Mt)
(dry Mt)
(dry Mt)
(%)
8.8
9.7
9.3
27.7
27.0
26.2
26.1
25.8
26.9
27.2
27.9
27.5
-
1.1
1.1
1.1
0.8
0.8
0.8
0.8
0.8
0.8
0.8
0.8
0.8
0.6
-
3.0
3.2
3.1
3.3
3.3
3.1
3.0
3.0
3.0
3.0
3.0
3.0
1.3
0.6
0.6
0.6
0.6
0.6
0.6
0.6
0.6
0.6
0.6
0.6
0.6
0.6
0.6
0.4
2.6
2.8
2.7
2.8
2.8
2.7
2.6
2.6
2.6
2.6
2.6
2.6
1.2
-
0.1
0.2
0.2
0.4
0.4
0.4
0.4
0.4
0.4
0.4
0.5
0.5
-
8.9
9.8
9.5
28.2
27.4
26.6
26.5
26.1
27.3
27.7
28.4
28.0
-
13.4%
14.0%
13.5%
40.0%
40.0%
40.0%
40.0%
40.0%
40.0%
40.0%
40.0%
40.0%
-
Net Sand Feed Balance: [Sand in Feed] - [Rejects] = [Primary Extraction Sand] + [Secondary Extraction Sand] + [Froth Treatment Sand]
Complete Sand Balance: [Primary Extraction Sand] + [Secondary Extraction Sand] + [Froth Treatment Sand] = [Cell] + [Beach] + [Cyclone O/F] + [Cyclone U/F (CT Feedstock)] + [Sand to new MFT] +
[Froth Tails] + [Float / Middlings Tails]
Construction Sand Balance: [Primary Extraction Sand] = [Non-Cycloned Sand] + [Sand to CT Cyclones]
Sand in CT Deposit Balance: [CT Deposit Sand] = [Cyclone Feedstock Sand (U/F) to CT] + [Sand in MFT to CT]
% Sand to CT Process = [Sand to CT Cyclones] ÷ [Primary Extraction Sand] (which is *approximately* the cyclone overflow + the cyclone underflow feedstock)
Syncrude Canada Ltd.
2010 Directive 074 Submission: Mildred Lake
Page 33 of 39
Table 5.2
Site Wide Material Balance - Fines Management
Fines Management (< 44µ Solids Fraction)
Year
Recovered
Bitumen
(per ID
2001-7)
Fines in Net Feed
New Fines in Feed (dry Rejects
Mt)
Fines
MBBl bit Mildred Lake
2011
2012
2013
2014
2015
2016
2017
2018
2019
2020
2021
2022
2023
2024
2025
2026
2027
2028
2029
2030
2031
2032
2033
2034
2035
2036
2037
2038
Fines in Suspension
71.9
73.3
75.1
71.2
72.4
65.8
64.7
64.9
66.9
68.7
73.3
72.9
33.2
-
24.8
25.3
24.0
28.1
29.8
28.4
25.3
26.0
22.9
21.7
19.1
20.2
8.5
-
Aurora
North
1.5
1.5
1.5
1.7
1.7
1.6
1.7
1.6
1.7
1.6
1.6
1.6
1.5
1.5
1.5
1.6
1.5
1.6
1.5
1.5
1.6
1.7
1.6
1.6
1.6
1.5
1.6
1.1
Total
Site
MFT
(dry Mt)
% solids
by wt.
0.9
1.0
0.9
1.0
1.0
0.9
0.9
0.9
0.9
0.9
0.9
0.9
0.4
-
48.3%
48.6%
48.9%
49.2%
49.5%
49.7%
50.0%
50.3%
50.6%
50.9%
51.2%
51.3%
51.3%
51.3%
51.3%
51.3%
51.3%
51.3%
51.3%
51.3%
51.3%
51.3%
51.3%
51.3%
51.2%
51.2%
51.2%
51.2%
Site MFT
Inventory
(Start)
New
TFT
Fines
(dry Mt) (dry Mt)
268.6
279.5
289.2
298.3
307.7
313.5
318.4
320.9
324.0
324.4
323.7
320.9
320.4
317.7
313.7
309.7
305.9
301.9
298.0
294.0
290.0
286.2
282.4
278.5
274.6
270.7
266.8
262.9
12.1
12.3
11.6
15.6
16.7
16.0
14.0
14.4
12.5
11.8
10.2
10.9
4.0
1.4
1.4
1.6
1.4
1.5
1.4
1.4
1.5
1.6
1.5
1.5
1.5
1.4
1.5
1.1
Fines in
MFT to
CT
Fines to Deposits
Fines
O/F;
CT
consumed Site MFT Cell/ CT (U/F)
CT SFR
Flotation; Centrifuged
Deposit
Inventory Beach Feedsto
in
Ratio
'cake' fines
Froth
Fines
ck
Fines
Centrifuge (End)
Fines
Cake
(dry Mt)
(dry Mt)
1.3
1.4
1.4
3.8
3.4
3.4
3.7
3.6
4.2
4.5
5.0
4.7
-
1.1
1.1
2.3
7.6
7.7
7.8
7.8
7.9
8.0
8.1
6.7
6.7
5.4
5.4
5.4
5.4
5.4
5.4
5.4
5.4
5.4
5.4
5.4
5.4
5.4
5.4
5.4
(dry Mt) (dry Mt) (dry Mt)
279.5
289.2
298.3
307.7
313.5
318.4
320.9
324.0
324.4
323.7
320.9
320.4
317.7
313.7
309.7
305.9
301.9
298.0
294.0
290.0
286.2
282.4
278.5
274.6
270.7
266.8
262.9
258.6
11.8
12.0
11.6
9.1
9.4
9.1
8.3
8.4
7.8
7.4
6.7
7.0
5.4
-
0.9
1.0
0.9
3.2
3.4
3.3
2.9
3.0
2.6
2.5
2.1
2.3
-
(dry Mt)
(dry Mt)
(dry Mt)
0.5
0.6
0.6
0.9
0.9
0.8
0.8
0.8
0.8
0.7
0.7
0.7
0.2
0.1
0.1
0.1
0.1
0.1
0.1
0.1
0.1
0.1
0.1
0.1
0.1
0.1
0.1
0.1
1.1
1.1
2.3
7.6
7.7
7.8
7.8
7.9
8.0
8.1
6.7
6.7
5.4
5.4
5.4
5.4
5.4
5.4
5.4
5.4
5.4
5.4
5.4
5.4
5.4
5.4
5.4
2.2
2.5
2.4
7.0
6.8
6.6
6.6
6.5
6.8
6.9
7.1
7.0
-
4.0
4.0
4.0
4.0
4.0
4.0
4.0
4.0
4.0
4.0
4.0
4.0
4.0
4.0
4.0
4.0
4.0
4.0
4.0
4.0
4.0
4.0
4.0
4.0
4.0
4.0
4.0
4.0
Fines in Suspension (MFT) Balance: [Site MFT Inv. (Start)] + [New TFT Fines] - [Fines in MFT to CT Process] - [Fines concumed in centrifugation] = [Net Site MFT Inventory
(Ending)]
New Fines Balance: [New Fines in Feed] - [Reject Fines] = [New TFT Fines] + [Cell/Beach Fines] + [Cyclone U/F Fines to CT] + [Cyc. O/F; Froth; & middlings Fines]
Fines in CT Deposit Balance: [CT Deposit Fines] = [Fines in MFT to CT] + [Cyclone U/F Fines to CT]
Syncrude Canada Ltd.
2010 Directive 074 Submission: Mildred Lake
Page 34 of 39
Table 5.3
Site Wide Material Balance - Water Management
Mildred Lake Free (i.e.
Year
2011
2012
2013
2014
2015
2016
2017
2018
2019
2020
2021
2022
2023
2024
2025
2026
2027
2028
2029
2030
2031
2032
2033
2034
2035
2036
2037
2038
Recovered
Recycle) Water Management
Bitumen
Free Water
Net
(per ID
Inventory New Free Free Water
2001-7)
(start)
Water Inventory (end)
3
3
3
(Mm )
(Mm )
(Mm )
MBBl bit
71.9
73.3
75.1
71.2
72.4
65.8
64.7
64.9
66.9
68.7
73.3
72.9
33.2
-
Syncrude Canada Ltd.
87.6
83.8
102.4
114.8
128.2
138.8
154.5
160.4
155.3
174.4
167.0
163.0
164.6
186.2
226.1
242.2
280.9
262.9
249.5
228.2
216.2
195.5
182.9
174.3
161.3
140.4
129.5
130.6
(3.8)
18.6
12.3
13.5
10.6
15.7
5.9
(5.1)
19.1
(7.5)
(4.0)
1.7
21.6
39.9
16.1
38.7
(17.9)
(13.4)
(21.3)
(12.0)
(20.7)
(12.6)
(8.6)
(13.0)
(20.9)
(10.9)
1.1
1.0
83.8
102.4
114.8
128.2
138.8
154.5
160.4
155.3
174.4
167.0
163.0
164.6
186.2
226.1
242.2
280.9
262.9
249.5
228.2
216.2
195.5
182.9
174.3
161.3
140.4
129.5
130.6
131.6
2010 Directive 074 Submission: Mildred Lake
Page 35 of 39
6 Water Chemistry
Syncrude maintains a network of surface water sampling points and groundwater
monitoring wells to identify any impact that the tailings facilities, sulphur storage, special
waste interim storage, proposed Flue gas de-sulphurization (FGD) landfill and sewage
treatment areas may have on groundwater quality. Monitoring is focused on the
geologic units with the greatest potential for contaminant transport. The groundwatermonitoring network has been divided into eight separate areas based on geology and
potential contaminant sources. Data gathered on surface water samples from both
potential sources and receptor areas are considered as the results pertain to each area.
Trend of key parameters over time and the relative concentrations of major ions are
routinely examined. Elevated chloride concentrations and/or naphthenic acids are useful
tracers of process water.
A summary of the monitoring program in place in the vicinity of tailings facilities is
provided below. For further details regarding groundwater monitoring at the Mildred
Lake site, refer to the “2009 Groundwater Monitoring Report – Syncrude Mildred Lake
Site”, submitted to AENV on March 15, 2010.
6.1
Mildred Lake Settling Basin
MLSB covers an area of approximately 30 square kilometers. Significant natural
topographic changes occur to the east of the MLSB. The geology east of MLSB varies
significantly from the toe of the tailings structure to the Athabasca River. At the top of
the escarpment near the MLSB, glacio-fluvial sands and gravels range in thickness from
zero to fifteen meters. This fluvial deposit is generally underlain by glacial till which can
be over fifteen meters thick. The surficial Pleistocene sand and gravel deposit has the
greatest potential for contaminant transport east of the MLSB. This deposit forms a
generally continuous unconfined aquifer from the east side of the MLSB to the east side
of T-Pit. The aquifer is vertically bound by the underlying till, oil sand or limestone
aquitard. Contaminant migration is expected to be limited through the underlying units,
due to their low hydraulic conductivity.
The groundwater monitoring network east of the MLSB consists of eighty-one monitoring
wells (in 2009, there were 77 active wells). In general, the groundwater flow direction is
to the east, from the MLSB to the Athabasca River escarpment. At the base of the first
significant drop in the escarpment (T-Pit area), groundwater flow changes toward the
south.
A pumping remediation strategy east of the Mildred Lake East Toe Berm (MLETB) was
initiated in 2003 to stop the progression of a groundwater plume. The objective of the
six pumps and a sump is to intercept and retard the migration of contaminant within the
source zone. The pumping strategy has been successful in intercepting and retaining
the plume within the source zone.
6.2
Southwest Sand Storage Facility
The geologic sequence below the SWSS typically consists of muskeg, glacio-lacustrine
clay, till, Clearwater Formation clays, and McMurray Formation oilsand. North of the
SWSS, a buried glacio-fluvial channel is incised into the Clearwater Formation and
underlies the till. The glacio-lacustrine clay deposit present in most areas has a low
hydraulic conductivity (10-8 to 10-10 m/s). This minimizes the risk of process water
influencing groundwater quality around the SWSS. The buried Pleistocene G-Pit
Syncrude Canada Ltd.
2010 Directive 074 Submission: Mildred Lake
Page 36 of 39
channel north of the SWSS is the most significant hydrogeologic feature in this area,
having a hydraulic conductivity in the range of 10-4 to 10-5 m/s. Overall groundwater flow
around SWSS is toward the northeast, following the topography. Locally around the
SWSS, there may be flow outward from the tailings structure and will be intercepted by
the toe ditch. The concentrations in the groundwater wells installed upstream and
downstream of the groundwater flow direction at SWSS are in line with historic trends.
6.3
In-Pit Tailings Facilities
SWIP, WIP and EIP continue to be used for tailings disposal. The geology of the Base
Mine typically consists of Devonian limestone underlying the McMurray Formation. The
Clearwater Formation conformably overlies the Upper McMurray. Near the centre of the
WIP, the Beaver Creek channel cuts through the Clearwater Formation into the Upper
McMurray. West of the Beaver Creek channel, the Clearwater Formation increases in
thickness to approximately twenty meters at the west end of the WIP. Anywhere from
one to five meters of glacio-lacustrine clay and till overlies the Clearwater clays. The
BML wells of the in-pit groundwater monitoring are restricted to deep flow paths (44 to
81 meters) through the Lower McMurray Formation water sand and Devonian
Waterways Formation (limestone). Five wells were drilled in 2003 to monitor
groundwater quality in surficial sand aquifer in-between the highway and Mildred Lake
Reservoir (MLR).
Syncrude Canada Ltd.
2010 Directive 074 Submission: Mildred Lake
Page 37 of 39
Appendix 1
Syncrude Canada Ltd.
2010 Directive 074 Submission: Mildred Lake
Appendix
Concordance Table: Directive 074 Appendix E – Mildred Lake Project
Section
Introduction
1
2
Description
Cross-Reference
(Section)
Submission document
Beginning in 2009, an annual tailings management
plan for the next calendar year must be submitted
by September 30 each year.
The plan must include annual projections for the first Sections 3.1, 3.2, 3.3, 4.0,
ten years, followed by five-year intervals to the end
and 5.0
of the scheme.
This plan must include:
a description of the tailings management plan and
any deviations from the approved tailings plan for
the entire mine scheme;
a process flow diagram for the scheme’s tailings
operations;
Sections 2.1, 2.3, and 3.2
Figures 1.1 and 1.2
a mineable oil sands reserves table for the life of the
mine scheme that includes:
mine total waste, overburden, and
interburden, and
Table 3.2
ore quantity, bitumen grade, fines, sand,
and water (as a weight per cent of the ore),
and recovered barrels of bitumen;
a production forecast table for the life of the mine
scheme by time period, including
Table 3.1
3
4
mined total waste,
Table 3.2
mined ore, bitumen grade, and recovered
barrels of bitumen, and
Table 3.1
total tailings production by type;
Table 3.3
a table of waste material (overburden and
interburden) classified by:
5
geologic formation (Holocene, Pleistocene, Waste material provided as
Clearwater, McMurray, etc.) with associated
high/med/low spec,
volume and weight,
Table 4.1
type and per cent of material suitable for
Section 4.0 and
tailings impoundment construction, and
Table 4.1
the amount projected for use in tailings
impoundment construction;
Syncrude Canada Ltd.
2010 Directive 074 Submission: Mildred Lake
Section 4.0 and
Tables 4.1 and 4.2
Appendix
Section
Description
Cross-Reference
(Section)
a table that schedules the source and destination of
waste material by
mass and volume, classifying material type
by structure,
the material types—overburden,
interburden, crusher rejects (or oversize),
and tailings—used for structures,
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
Volume available:
Table 4.1
Volume to structures:
Table 4.2
Tailings:
Tables 3.3
Mine Waste:
Section 4.0 and
Tables 4.1
Tailings:
Tables 4.3 and 4.4
Mine Waste:
Table 4.2
Sections 4.1, 4.2, and 4.3
destination area, including DDAs, external
and in-pit waste disposal areas, external
and in-pit tailings impoundment structures,
and external and in-pit tailings areas;
a starting baseline for all structures, including the
present elevation of each waste material type within
each structure;
a construction schedule, volume, and projected life
Tables 4.3, 4.4, and 4.5
span for each tailings impoundment structure;
an illustration of fluid tailings impoundment and DDA
Figure 2.1
capacity versus the associated storage
requirements;
destination and description of each tailings type by
structure, including mass, volume, and components
(water, fines, sand, and bitumen, as a per cent of
the ore);
a site-wide tabulation and illustration of fluid tailings
inventory;
site-wide sand, fines, and water balance;
Tailings Types:
Table 3.3
Tailings by Structure:
Tables 4.3 and 4.4
Figure 2.3 and
Table 3.3
Tables 5.1, 5.2, and 5.3
mine scheme development maps by reporting
period, and a text description of the major
development activities as illustrated on each map;
a summary of tailings water chemistry, seepage
water chemistry, and seepage water rates into the
groundwater from reports of groundwater and
tailings monitoring programs provided to AENV;
a description of the process for remediation or
rehandling of segregated fines within the DDAs
within one year of segregation;
planning assumptions and criteria used to support
the tailings management plan, such as fines
distribution in the ore body, tailings stream-specific
gravities, tailings consolidation curves, tailings
deposition angles, and tailings impoundment design
and construction criteria; and
any other information that the ERCB requires.
Section 3.3 including
Figures 3.2 to 3.8
Syncrude Canada Ltd.
2010 Directive 074 Submission: Mildred Lake
Section 6
DDA Strategy:
Section 2.2
Table 2.1,
Sections 3.2,
and 4.0
Appendix