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.

Question

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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Answer 1

In the article "Evaluation of Metal Concentrations, Acidity, and Flow Velocity in Deep Sea Tailing Placement at the Ramu Nickel-Cobalt Refinery in Papua New Guinea," the study conducted by Ramu NiCo Management (MCC) Limited aimed to assess the impact of Deep Sea Tailing Placement (DSTP) on the local marine ecosystem. The study focused on analyzing metal concentrations, acidity levels, and flow velocity rates of the tailing effluents before discharge into the ocean depths to ensure ecological safety.

The results of the study indicated that the pH levels of the tailing water ranged between 8.12 and 8.55, falling within the recommended range of 6.5 to 9.0 units. This showcased proper neutralization of the waste and alignment with natural seawater pH levels. Metal analysis using ICP-MS revealed that heavy metals such as Mn, Zn, Ni, Co, and Cu were below their respective EPS values, with toxic heavy metals like Cd, Pb, Se, As, Ag, Hg, and Cr also below compliance values stipulated in the environmental permit. Additionally, the discharge velocity of tailing effluent was within permitted levels, ranging between 1677 - 2075 m³/h, with a monthly average of 1270 m³/h.

The study concluded that the DSTP method at the Basamuk Nickel-Cobalt Refinery in Papua New Guinea effectively disposed of tailings into the ocean depths without immediate risk of marine ecological contamination. Compliance with government regulations, proper neutralization of the tailing waste, and metal concentrations below permissible standards ensured the safety of the environment. However, further research is needed to fully understand the long-term impacts of DSTP on the marine ecosystem.

In summary, the evaluation of metal concentrations, acidity, and flow velocity in DSTP at the Ramu Nickel-Cobalt Refinery showed that proper measures were in place to ensure the safety of the marine environment. The study's findings indicated that the pH levels, metal concentrations, and flow velocity rates of the tailing effluents met recommended standards, with no immediate threat to the ecosystem.Continued monitoring and research are essential to assess the long-term effects of DSTP on the marine ecosystem.