Laserfiche WebLink
Nelson Mining Resources SWSP <br /> November 25, 2024 <br /> Page 2 of 11 <br /> Plan Operation <br /> This plan seeks to replace depletions resulting from mining at the Nelson Mining <br /> Resource Gravel Pit ("Nelson Pit"). Mining at the site initially began in July 2006; <br /> however, due to the lack of demand for sand and gravel, the mining operation <br /> temporarily ceased and the dewatering pumps were shut down in June 2009. The <br /> mine area was subsequently allowed to fill with groundwater. This site has been put <br /> into Temporary Cessation with the Division of Reclamation, Mining, and Safety <br /> effective from August 16, 2011 through June 1, 2014. In June 2014 the pumps were <br /> turned on and the site was partially dewatered leaving approximately 7.25 acres of <br /> exposed ground water. The mining operation resumed production in July 2014. The <br /> exposed surface area in 2017 through the spring of 2018 was approximately 9.5 acres. <br /> In May and June of 2018, pumping of the groundwater reduced the exposed surface <br /> area to approximately 3.5 acres. Currently there are 8.00 acres exposed at the site in <br /> the dewatering trenches, mining pit basin pond, and two sedimentation ponds. Mining <br /> operations during the period of this SWSP will take place in the middle of Cell A. Cell <br /> B and C have been mined and backfilled (Figure 2). During this period of the SWSP, <br /> the Applicant will utilize dewatering trenches around the perimeter of the toe of <br /> mining slope to facilitate dry mining. Water is directed into a basin within the pit to <br /> settle out fines. The Applicant will operate a wash plant in the northern portion of <br /> Cell A to process aggregate mined at the Site. The wash plant will recirculate water <br /> from the sedimentation ponds, into the wash plant, and back into the ponds. Water <br /> from the sedimentation ponds is pumped to a discharge trench which discharges at <br /> Outfall 001 (Figure 2). <br /> During this SWSP period, depletions will consist of evaporation losses from the <br /> exposed ground water, dewatering, water lost with the mined product, and water <br /> used for dust control. The proposed reclamation of the site is a lined reservoir <br /> through the construction of a compacted clay liner around the mining area. <br />