Curragh Mine Drain Revegetation

Background

Erizon was engaged by KatCom to undertake revegetation works at the Curragh Mine Drain as part of a large-scale environmental management project. The project required the application of hydromulch across 80,174 square meters to restore vegetation in an area disturbed by mining activities. The key objective was to promote soil stabilization and long-term vegetation growth in compliance with environmental standards.

Scope of Works

Erizon’s scope involved the hydraulic application of EnviroSprout Hydromulch Growth Medium (HGM) and Liquid Gypsum to the designated area, following the client’s surface preparation. The project included the following activities:

• Preparation and delivery of wood fibre mulch with an eco-binder.
• Application of liquid gypsum for soil conditioning.
• A custom seed blend, along with NPKS fertiliser, can be used to optimise vegetation establishment.
• Erizon’s mine-compliant HydroRig was employed to ensure efficient application, given the scale and terrain of the site.

Challenges

Several unexpected site delays were encountered, including site access issues and extended downtime for inspection clearances. This led to multiple standdown days, which extended the project timeline beyond the initial forecast. Despite these delays, the project was completed successfully within six days once the work commenced.

Solution

The team applied EnviroSprout HGM, a hydromulching solution that offers superior water retention and erosion control. This product was specifically chosen for its ability to withstand challenging environmental conditions and high moisture retention properties. Additionally, Liquid Gypsum improved soil structure and nutrient availability, aiding in long-term growth.

• EnviroSprout HGM (Hydraulic Growth Medium): 1.8 tonnes per hectare.
• Liquid Gypsum: 400 liters per hectare.
• A custom seed blend suited to the local ecosystem.

Execution

The application process involved the following steps:

1. Mobilisation of personnel and equipment to the site.
2. Conducting daily pre-start meetings and safety assessments.
3. Hydromulch application using the HydroRig system to ensure even distribution across the drain batters, which did not exceed a 1:3 slope ratio.

The project spanned over six active workdays, as detailed below:

• Day 1: Mobilisation and site inspection.
• Day 2 to 6: Progressive application of the hydromulch solution, covering an average of 13,360 square meters daily.

Results

The project was completed within the specified scope, covering 80,174 square meters with the hydromulch and liquid gypsum solution. The site was left stabilized, and initial signs of vegetation growth were visible within weeks of completion, demonstrating the effectiveness of the chosen solution.

Key Statistics

• Area Covered: 80,174 m².
• Hydromulch Applied: 1.8t/ha.
• Liquid Gypsum Applied: 400L/ha.
• Equipment Used: Mine-compliant HydroRig with dual cannon spray system.

Conclusion

The Curragh Mine Drain Revegetation project was a success despite initial challenges with site access and weather delays. Erizon’s tailored solution ensured long-term soil stabilisation and vegetation growth, contributing to the environmental restoration of the Curragh Mine site. This project underscores Erizon’s expertise in delivering large-scale revegetation solutions in compliance with strict environmental and safety standards.