Chelopech Tailings Management Facility – Buttress Construction Project

Employer: Chelopech Mining EAD
Contractor: Geotechmin OOD
Project implementation  period: May 2010 – March 2011

Description of the project:
The aim of the project is to provide additional storage space for the tailings generated by the mining activities of Chelopech Mining. This is done by buttressing and overbuilding of the main wall of Chelopech tailings pond. As a result the operating lifetime of the facility is increased without changing the disposal technology and the hydrotransport system.

Geotechmin OOD has fulfilled its ambitious plan to complete all filling works in 11 months without interrupting the operation of the tailings management facility.

Conducted works:

• cutting down and grubbing of trees and vegetation – 32,777 sq.m.
• excavation of topsoil – 29,500 cub.m.
• rock fill – 464,868 cub.m.
• crushed-stone roads – 1,200 m
• reinforced concrete ditches – 408 m
• monitoring system – 24 piezometers, 25 control markers and 1 monitoring well
• reinforced wall – 825 cub.m.
• strengthening with gabions – 216 cub.m.

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Reconstruction and Modernization of Chelopech Ore Concentration Plant

Employer: Chelopech Mining EAD
Contractor: Geotechmin OOD
Project execution period: July 2009 – May 2011

Description of the project:
Geotechmin has executed the following sub-projects aimed at modernizing the ore concentration plant of Chelopech Mining:

• Cemented Paste Backfill Plant – Civil Works and Foundation Construction
• Execution of Foundations for Flotation Area Tank Farm and Lime Area Tank Farm
• Reconstruction of Groshovitza-1 and Groshovitza-2 Water Catchment Facilities and Reconstruction of a Water Pipeline Leading to Collection Shaft 1 of the Water Supply System of Tsarkvishte Village, Zlatitsa Municipality
• Earthworks and Civil Works in Area 15 "Concentrate Handling"
• Refurbishment of the Access Road to Ventilation Shaft "Sever"

One common feature of all these projects is that the construction-and-assembly works are performed under conditions of ongoing production in existing facilities and workshops, and in strict compliance with the employer's specific rules on occupational safety and health.

Conducted works:

• excavation and transportation of earth material – 2,610 cub.m.
• structural backfill – 3,300 cub.m.
• concrete works, including formwork, reinforcing steel and anchors – 1,230 cub.m.
• demolition of existing reinforced concrete elements – 110 cub.m.