Modelling Capacity

Terrachem has experience applying modelling to various real-world problems related to mining, heavy industry, power generation and infrastructure.

Our specialist expertise includes geochemical, surface water and groundwater modelling. We also have experience in modelling various other processes, including 3D geological modelling, logistical and financial modelling, etc.

This multi-disciplinary expertise facilitates a holistic and systems-based approach to identifying risks and optimising materials management. We aim to provide practical and optimised solutions that protect the environment, while also minimising costs and risks to clients.

Modelling services include:

Geochemical speciation and reactive transport modelling - Geochemical speciation and reactive transport modelling can be used to simulate geochemical behaviour of elements of interest. Specialist geochemistry skills and experience are necessary to conceptualise, code and interpret model results meaningfully, to understand model limitations and to optimise them. Normally suitable empirical (laboratory and field) data are necessary to inform and validate geochemical models, as the models seldom provide defensible results without such data. Modelling may be limited to static equilibrium conditions in simple systems or more frequently may involve kinetic (reaction rate dependent) or reactive transport (reaction and fluid transport dependent) systems.

Mass balance modelling - Mass balance modelling is generally carried out to track water, solutes and / or solids. Such models are normally used to support water and waste management planning and practices and to evaluate different scenarios. Mass balance modelling may be coupled with geochemical speciation to improve accuracy. This is particularly necessary where solid-liquid separation or mineral dissolution or sorption is expected to occur in the system of interest. Gas reactions and transport (particularly oxygen) may also be an important factor in such modelling.

Environmental Risk Assessment (Source, Pathway, Receptor modelling) - According to environmental risk assessment principles, pollution requires a contaminant source, a transport pathway and a receptor where an impact may occur. Modelling may be the only way to realistically assess and constrain these entities and to compare alternative managment strategies that may be applied to prevent impacts from occuring or to mitigate them. Source, Pathway, Receptor models may be constructed using various software packages, depending on the nature and complexity of the system of interest and the level of detail and certainty required. Examples may include spreadsheets, stochastic time-series models or full 3D numerical models.

Groundwater Modelling

Our groundwater modelling experience includes mine dewatering and contaminant transport modelling. We consider these skills as integral to our broader mine water management expertise.

Surface water modelling

Our surface water modelling expertise includes scouring and flooding assessments, mining infrastructure, river diversions and road infrastructure.