Agnico Eagle Mexico Operations
Client
Agnico Eagle Mexico S.A. de C.V.Location
Chihuahua, MexicoHighlights
- Comprehensive evaluation of construction and operations of heap leach facilities, tailings storage facilities, and waste rock facilities
- Design of in-pit tailings disposal for operations and closure
- Detailed geotechnical characterization and evaluation
- Physical stability assessment, including seismic-induced deformation analysis
- Civil design, including site configurations, access road design, and water management systems
- Comprehensive risk management review, including identification, assessment, and action plans
- Operational and technical tailings management
- Advisory on compliance with international tailings management standards (Global Industry Standard on Tailings Management)
- Technical support to the Engineer of Record on dam safety reviews and other facility inspections
Overview
Agnico Eagle México S.A. de C.V. (AEM) and Agnico Eagle Sonora S.A. de C.V. (AES), subsidiaries of Agnico Eagle Mines Ltd. (Agnico Eagle), operate open pit gold mines at the Pinos Altos and Creston Mascota mining units in Chihuahua state, and the La India mining unit in Sonora state. Agnico Eagle, a renowned Canadian company, was the world’s third largest gold producer in 2022, with operations in Australia, Canada, Finland, and Mexico. The name “Agnico” is derived from the chemical symbols for silver (Ag), nickel (Ni), and cobalt (Co), reflecting the company’s initial focus on these metals.
Since 2006, Knight Piésold has been providing consulting services to AEM, focusing on technical support for mine waste management facilities, including tailings storage facilities, waste rock storage facilities, and heap leach facilities, and for closure plans aligned with international standards and mining industry best practices.
In 2023, Knight Piésold resumed collaboration with AEM to evaluate and assume the role of design engineer for their waste management facilities at the Pinos Altos, Creston Mascota, and La India mining units. As AEM and AES approach their final operational stage, their main priority is focused on planning and executing mine closure in compliance with national and international regulations, such as those established by the Mining Association of Canada and the Global Industry Standard on Tailings Management.
The Challenge
In 2023, Knight Piésold was appointed by AEM and AES as the civil-geotechnical design engineer for the Pinos Altos, Creston Mascota, and La India mining units. Since then, Knight Piésold has been providing technical support and engineering consulting services in various areas, including geotechnical characterization, physical stability assessment focusing on deformation analysis, water balance, and hydraulic and civil design. Additionally, Knight Piésold has been providing specialized support in risk management associated with key mining facility components, such as the Old-TMF filtered tailings facility, leach pads, and ancillary facilities at the Pinos Altos and Creston Mascota mining units.
Key project challenges include:
- Providing practical solutions to technical problems encountered in the field, such as addressing sinkhole issues in the Old-TMF deposit and identifying the mechanisms responsible for sinkhole formation.
- Collecting and reviewing historical technical information, developed by Knight Piésold for AEM since 2006, to ensure continuity, traceability, and accuracy in current solution development.
Knight Piésold remains focused on implementing effective solutions based on best practices, contributing to successful operations and responsible management of mining facilities.
Our Approach
Knight Piésold worked closely with the AEM and AES technical teams to carry out the development and design scope of Phase 1 for the San Eligio, Santo Niño, and Sinter waste rock storage facilities, as well as the physical stability of the Old-TMF filtered tailings facility. Additionally, Knight Piésold provided technical support to the Engineer of Record during independent review panel visits and in the operation of the Pinos Altos mining unit.
The Results
Knight Piésold completed the project according to the defined scope, adhering to the established schedule and budget parameters while maintaining high quality standards. The close collaboration between Knight Piésold and the AEM and AES technical teams during project development strengthened mutual trust, allowing for the identification and bridging of information gaps, while opening new opportunities and work areas.
Knight Piésold continues to provide technical assistance for the AEM and AES waste management facilities, supporting their commitment to compliance with Best Available Practices (BAP) and Best Available Technologies (BAT).