Owner
Barrick Gold Corporation
Client
Barrick Gold Corporation
Cost
$192 million USD
Timeframe
January 2023
— March 2030
Services performed
Feasibility study of tunnel boring machine (TBM) versus roadheader excavation machine for the excavation of the Bullion Hill Decline tunnels, including evaluations of the advance rates, quantities, construction timelines and costs, as well as studying the option twin bore versus single bore tunnel configuration.
Description
The Fourmile deposit is a gold deposit located in central Nevada, owned by Barrick Gold Corporation (Barrick). Barrick has proposed the Bullion Hill Declines tunnel to access this deposit. Barrick has commissioned Dr. Sauer & Partners (DSP) to study the feasibility of using a tunnel boring machine (TBM) or roadheader excavation machine for the excavation of the Bullion Hill Decline. In addition to the excavation method, DSP is evaluating whether a twin bore or single bore tunnel configuration is more suitable for this project.
Geology
Devonian Wenban Limestone (Dw), McMurry Meadows Granodiorite (JMC) and Devonian Horse Canyon (Dhc)
Location
Nevada, USA
Highlights
- Feasibility study of the excavation and construction method of access tunnels.
- Hard rock gripper / main beam tunnel boring machine (TBM)
- Evaluation of tunneling construction costs and program.
