CLIENT: Conuma Resources
PROJECT DESCRIPTION:
PRI was retained by Conuma Resources Ltd. as the new hydrotechnical and geotechnical Engineers of Record (EORs) for two tailings storage facilities (TSFs) at the Quintette Mine in British Columbia: the Shikano North TSF and the Plantsite TSF. The Shikano North TSF is a 45-metre high, 210-metre long flow-through rockfill dam currently accepting tailings, while the Plantsite TSF is a 52-metre high, 2.6-kilometre long earthfill dam in active care. PRI’s ongoing mandate spans dam safety analysis, regulatory compliance, annual performance reviews, and long-term closure planning.
CHALLENGE:
Assuming the role of Engineer of Record for two large, active tailings storage facilities mid-operation required PRI to rapidly develop a comprehensive understanding of each structure’s design history, current condition, and operational context. The complexity of the assignment demanded integrated analysis across hydrotechnical, geotechnical, environmental, and mining operations disciplines, all benchmarked against the rigorous requirements of the 2024 Health, Safety, and Reclamation Code (HSRC) for Mines in British Columbia. Ongoing engagement with the Independent Tailings Review Board (ITRB) further required that analyses and reporting meet the highest standards of technical defensibility.
APPROACH:
PRI completed detailed dam safety analyses across both facilities to formally establish EOR status, with analyses commensurate with those required for a full Dam Safety Review under the 2024 HSRC. The work incorporated hydrotechnical, geotechnical, environmental, and mining operations considerations specific to each structure. On an ongoing basis, PRI completes Annual Facility Performance Reviews (AFPRs) for both TSFs and maintains regular engagement with the ITRB. PRI also provides a broad range of supplementary analyses, designs, technical memoranda, and reports to support the continued safe operation and eventual final closure planning of both facilities.
OUTCOME:
PRI successfully established itself as EOR for both the Shikano North and Plantsite TSFs, providing Conuma Resources Ltd. with continuity of expert oversight across two critical mine infrastructure assets. The rigorous dam safety analyses completed by PRI satisfied the requirements of the 2024 HSRC and established a strong technical foundation for ongoing regulatory compliance. PRI’s continued involvement through AFPRs, ITRB coordination, and ad hoc technical support ensures that both facilities are managed with the diligence required for safe operation and responsible long-term closure.