Deep Sea Tailings Placement (DSTP)
SRSL is the world leader in best practice and environmental impact of Deep Sea Mine Tailings Placement.
DSTP
We can provide best practice advice for waste disposal and provide mitigation options where necessary.
During 2007, SAMS scientists conducted scientific evaluations of Lihir and Misima mines in Papua New Guinea. In 2008, SAMS completed a government commissioned baseline survey of the marine environment of Basamuk, the site of the proposed Ramu Nickel mine processing plant. During this project we built up a wealth of experience in working with local people, land owners, mining companies, NGOs and Government.
On behalf of the government in Papua New Guinea SAMS scientists are currently developing guidelines for future deep sea mine tailings placement (DSTP) and environmental monitoring, with a view to setting and raising the bar for international best practice.
In order to assess and monitor the impacts of DSTP, we provide:
- Hydrodynamic surveys: Measurement and modelling of wave, current and tidal flows using surface or sea-bed mounted buoys and landers.
- Sediment sampling and analysis: Sediment sampling using corers/grabs, and analyses (to include particle size and elemental concentrations). Tracing and modelling of sediment mobilisation. Geochemical measurements and modelling. Suspended-sediment sampling and analyses are also available.
- Hydrographic Surveys: Sea-floor mapping and morphology of sedimentary structures, channels and banks, measured using multi-beam (bathymetric sonar) and side-scan.
- Marine Benthic Ecological Surveys: Macrobenthic infauna and epifauna can be surveyed using SAMS’ sampling devices (e.g. Megacorer, Box corer, camera and video). SAMS also has a benthic lander fleet with in-situ microsensors for imaging and measuring a range of benthic parameters.
- Acoustic Surveys: Perception, avoidance and disturbance risks of marine vertebrates with offshore structures. Acoustic footprints of offshore construction or mining activities.
- Scientific Diving Facilities: Applied to coarse or rocky terrain and new structures, underwater photography and sampling can be carried out by SAMS trained scientific divers. SAMS is home to the UK National Facility for Scientific Diving. http://www.nfsd.org.uk
- Environmental impact: mitigation through methodologies ranging from modelling to enhancement advice.
Consultancy and policy advice;
SAMS has a breadth of expertise in marine policy and informing new environmental policy.
