Pit Lake Treatment Bench Trials and Technology Readiness Assessment

project overview

Integrated Sustainability were engaged to evaluate biogeochemical in situ treatment for molybdenum and uranium in pit lakes. We developed and advanced a Technology Readiness Assessment (TRA) while conducting bench-scale trials using pit water. Our work generated actionable data on treatment performance and design inputs, directly informing regulatory strategies and enabling progression toward field-scale implementation.

project deliverables

• Delivered a site-specific TRA in accordance with British Columbia’s Technology Readiness Level (TRL) guidance, and identified a path to TRL-8 maturity.
• Designed and executed a suite of cold- and ambient-temperature bench-scale jar trials to assess biogeochemical reduction and algal binding as treatment mechanisms for molybdenum, with supplemental consideration for selenium relevant to other mine sites.
• Generated detailed reporting on bench trial results, including preliminary findings to guide 2024 field testing and a final interpretation of treatment efficacy and residuals behaviour.
• Developed a comprehensive Technology Maturation Plan integrated with project timelines, permitting objectives, and regulatory deliverables to support near-term field deployment.
• Established a cloud-based data management framework with Quality Assurance/Quality Control protocols, and provided complete datasets and documentation as project appendices for long-term traceability.
• Maintained streamlined collaboration with other consultants through coordinated kickoff, shared data reviews, and weekly progress updates.