SERVICES PROVIDED:
- On site Physical Testing Laboratory
- Laboratory Chemical Analysis
- Site Investigation
- Risk Assessment.
PROJECT BACKGROUND
The site has been mined intermittently for various naturally occurring metals for hundreds of years. Our client was appointed the construction and earthworks contractor. Their remit was to form a dam behind which the processing water and associated waste soils would be placed. They were also to carry out the ongoing mining earthworks.
PROJECT OBJECTIVES
To enable the smooth and efficient completion of the proposed construction work, and the ongoing management of the mine workings.
OUR ROLE
ACS provided long term materials testing services and consultancy support to the mine. We installed and ran a soils physical testing laboratory on the site. This enabled consistent progress of the works and mine working.
ACS also carried out a bespoke assessment of the potential risk posed to workers on the site. The assessment looked at risk through long term and direct exposure by the possible natural presence of elevated concentrations of metals. This included a carefully designed sampling and chemical analysis plan and the development of site-specific assessment criteria tailored to different work roles.
This study not only gave reassurance that the potential risk was very low, but also provided criteria and advice for long term monitoring to enable the ongoing protection of all operations staff.
CHALLENGES
The efficient management of a high-pressure process required good communication with our client and other interested parties. This was ensured by posting a full-time materials testing laboratory technician with sufficient experience to enable him to communicate confidently and productively, with the support of ACS managers.
ON SITE LABORATORY TESTING
ACS Testing have provided site laboratories for projects across the globe. Previous projects have included road contracts, military projects, mining projects and flood alleviation schemes. Materials tests performed in the site laboratories are UKAS Accredited and include testing of a comprehensive range of materials including:
- aggregates
- bituminous
- concrete
- soils
- waters
One major benefit of our site laboratories is that it allows a fast turnaround of a wide range of materials testing. Transport times for laboratory testing are removed so results and usable data are available much more quickly. This can enable faster decision-making regarding material compliance and use on site, enabling projects run to schedule.
Contact
Richard Spracklen
T: 01202 628685
E: richard.spracklen@acstesting.co.uk
CLIENT:
CA Blackwell Contracts Ltd
DATE OF PROJECT:
2014 – 2018
LOCATION:
Hemerdon Mine, Plymouth
BUSINESS SECTORS:
Minerals, Construction and Earthworks, Health and Safety