PT BARATA TUNTUNG PANDANG GEOTECHNICAL, HYDROLOGY, AND HYDROGEOLOGY ANALYSIS

The team of experts from nPT Geo Labora Indonesia has carried out previous work on the Geotechnical, Hydrology, and Hydrogeology Study for Open-Pit Gold Mining for PT Berata Tuntung Pandang, providing comprehensive technical support to ensure safe, efficient, and sustainable mine development. This assignment was undertaken to enhance engineering reliability in mine design and to ensure full compliance with national mining technical standards and Good Mining Practice. The study reflects team expert PT Geo Labora Indonesia ongoing commitment to delivering high-quality engineering solutions for complex mining environments in Indonesia.

The project scope encompassed a multi-disciplinary investigation combining geotechnical engineering, hydrology, and hydrogeology. Geotechnical field operations included geological and structural mapping, rock mass characterization, slope geometry measurements, and full-coring geotechnical drilling to collect representative rock and soil samples. Laboratory tests were performed to determine physical and mechanical material parameters required for numerical modeling of slope stability throughout mine advancement.

Hydrological analysis was conducted to evaluate rainfall characteristics, watershed behavior, and surface runoff patterns influencing mining operations. Flow accumulation modeling was used to determine peak discharge, drainage capacity, and the risk of surface water convergence toward pit walls. Hydrogeological investigation involved assessment of groundwater regimes, aquifer properties, water table depth, and potential pore-pressure effects on rock mass stability. Data from pumping tests, well logging, and groundwater monitoring were integrated into the geotechnical simulations to assess coupled slope–water interactions.

Numerical modeling was performed under various scenarios—including existing excavation conditions, planned mine design, and optimization alternatives—with emphasis on lithological contrast, structural control, groundwater influence, and rock mass behavior commonly found in hard-rock gold deposits. Based on the simulation results, PT Geo Labora Indonesia expert team formulated a suite of engineering recommendations covering optimal pit slope geometry (bench height, bench width, bench face angle, inter-ramp slope angle, and overall slope angle), push-back sequencing, and long-term stability strategies.

The engineering recommendations were further supported by hydrological and hydrogeological mitigation measures, including drainage channel design, surface runoff diversion systems, dewatering strategies, piezometer-based groundwater monitoring, and rockfall control plans. These measures were designed to allow mining activities to proceed sustainably while maintaining high safety standards throughout the life of the mine.

Through the successful completion of this multidisciplinary assignment, Team expert PT Geo Labora Indonesia provided substantial value to PT Berata Tuntung Pandang by increasing operational safety, minimizing geotechnical and hydrological risks, improving confidence in mine design, and strengthening compliance with national mining regulations. The project reinforces PT Geo Labora Indonesia’s capability as a provider of integrated mining engineering services—covering field investigation, laboratory testing, geotechnical-hydrological-hydrogeological modeling, and implementation-ready technical recommendations to support safe and productive mining operations.

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