Event Details:
In-person: Room Philip, Level 2, Club York, 99 York St, Sydney 2000
Online: Zoom link will be shared soon.
Application of Seismic and Electrical Methods to Characterise Tailings Dams at the Cowarra Gold Mine: An example of work integrated learning for students.
Abstract:
The Cowarra Gold Mine is located 80 km south of Canberra and 18 km from Bredbo. It was mined by BHP in the 1930s (52,838 tonnes extracted) and by Horizon Pacific in the 1980s (95,000 tonnes extracted). Oxley Resources currently holds an exploration lease over the site and, since 2020, has undertaken soil sampling, drilling, and induced polarisation (IP) surveys. Reprocessing of materials from the site’s tailings dams is also under consideration. Limited historical information exists regarding the geometry and depth of the tailings dams. Three tailings dams are present on site, constructed within a pre-existing valley, with the downstream-most dam considered the largest and deepest.
Fender Geophysics was approached by Macquarie University to host two students as part of the Professional and Community Engagement (PACE) Work Integrated Learning (WIL) program. The students applied seismic refraction (RA), horizontal-to-vertical spectral ratio (HVSR), and electrical resistivity imaging (ERI) methods to determine the depth, extent, and volume of the tailings dams. Two ERI profiles and two seismic refraction profiles were acquired across the largest dam, while HVSR stations were distributed across all three dams. Seismic and resistivity data indicate a maximum tailings thickness of approximately 15–20 m. HVSR data quality was variable but generally consistent with the other datasets and was used to estimate the depths of the remaining dams. The calculated tailings volume (~70,000 m³) aligns with estimates of volumes of materials extracted from mining activities.
This survey provided valuable field-based experience for the students, and the data acquired will assist with ongoing resource assessment and environmental management of the site. Fender Geophysics acknowledges Oxley Resources for their support and permission to conduct the survey at the Cowarra Gold Mine site.
About the Speaker:
James Daniell is an experienced geophysicist with a diverse background in marine and near-surface geophysics, geomorphology, sedimentology, remote sensing, and GIS. He began his career at Geoscience Australia (2001–2012), followed by a research position at James Cook University (2012–2020), where he conducted extensive marine geophysical investigations. James holds a Bachelor of Science in Palaeontology and a Master's degree in Geology and Geophysics from Macquarie University, and he completed his PhD at the University of Sydney in 2011.
Since joining Fender Geophysics as a Senior Geophysicist, James has led the development of the company’s near-surface geophysics division, focusing on geophysical surveys that support environmental, groundwater, and infrastructure projects. He continues to collaborate with James Cook University on research initiatives—and appreciates no longer having to mark exams.
