Veladero Mine

The Challenge

One of Veladero’s main challenges has been the progressive expansion of the stacking phases in the valley-fill leach pad—crucial to achieving the planned extraction goals. This involved designing and executing new structural stages—such as Phases 4B, 5B, and the planning for Phases 6 to 9—allowing operations to continue without interruption while adapting to evolving technical and operational requirements of the project.

The operation is conducted in one of Argentina’s most challenging environments: a mountain region characterized by extreme climate conditions, high altitude, and geographical isolation. This environment necessitates rigorous measures for logistics, health, and operational safety, requiring constant planning and robust infrastructure for the protection of personnel, equipment, and the natural environment.

Additionally, the project has adapted to a challenging social and environmental regulatory framework. Environmental assessments require continuous updates, along with environmental impact compliance, ongoing monitoring, and community engagement.  

Throughout the years, Knight Piésold has adapted to changes in project ownership while maintaining technical and strategic continuity at each phase.

Our Approach

Knight Piésold has played an important role in the Veladero Mine, not only in delivering key solutions but also in growing and optimizing the projects’s own process. The project represents a benchmark for interoperability and technical challenges that drove Knight Piésold to strengthen its integrated approach with infrastructure upgrades and collaborative support from other offices—ultimately consolidating a 360° service model aligned with client needs.

In the environmental field, Knight Piésold focused on maintaining regulatory compliance and promoting continuous improvement by preparing and updating Environmental Impact Reports (EIRs); conducting audits; and performing surface and groundwater quality monitoring, gas emissions analysis, and archaeological programs. These efforts reflect a strong commitment to sustainability and environmental responsibility.

Through Construction Quality Assurance (CQA) and Material Quality Assurance (MQA) services, Knight Piésold monitored critical elements such as geosynthetics and HDPE pipelines to verify durability and long-term functionality. As Engineer of Record (EoR), Knight Piésold also supervised key works, hydraulic evaluations, and drainage structures to contribute to their safety and effectiveness.

On the engineering front, Knight Piésold delivered several strategic projects aimed at enhancing operational performance. Notably, Knight Piésold developed conceptual, basic, and detailed engineering for Phase 6 of the valley-fill leach pad, including the design of a new Pregnant Leach Solution (PLS) storage area and its conveyance system to the processing plant—covering civil, electromechanical, and electrical disciplines.

For Phases 7 to 9, Knight Piésold developed conceptual and basic engineering, laying the technical groundwork for future pad expansions. The contingency channels for the entire valley-fill leach pad were also designed to manage extreme events. Engineering work included berm upgrades for Phases 1 to 5, optimizing the structural stability and storage capacity of the system. As part of the hydraulic infrastructure improvement works, Knight Piésold optimized the PLS collection channel, including the design of the new Dropbox 1—a key component for more efficient and safe management of collected flows. Additional services included the design of the Canito diversion and structural reviews of various facilities, all aimed at enhancing functionality, efficiency, and operational safety.

Furthermore, Knight Piésold strengthened operational safety using tools such as the HAZOP methodology to minimize risks and increase process reliability. Thanks to ongoing collaboration with the Barrick-Shandong team, Knight Piésold’s contributions were successfully integrated into the broader project vision, supporting more cost-effective and safe mine development.

The Results

From an environmental standpoint, Knight Piésold implemented surface and groundwater monitoring and control strategies and developed commitment tables that allowed for maintaining compliance with national and international regulations—contributing to water resource protection and minimizing impacts on local biodiversity. Archaeological monitoring and rescue programs further contributed to the preservation of cultural heritage. The constant updates to EIRs and environmental audits facilitated Veladero to maintain its compliance standards and reinforce its commitment to sustainability. Additionally, the carbon footprint assessment provided valuable insights to improve energy efficiency and reduce emissions.

In terms of engineering, Knight Piésold conducted various scale engineering projects (conceptual, basic, and detailed design) and reviews of structural and construction designs. Knight Piésold also completed specific key studies for project characterization and optimization, including water balance analysis in the valley-fill leach pad and detailed studies of the underdrainage system, achieving the operational objectives for each scope.

System enhancements included reengineering the leaching system to make more effective use of irrigation solutions—not only reducing operating costs but also improving metal recovery extractive process stability. Upgrades to the PLS and BLS pumping and distribution systems improved hydraulic performance, reduced processing times, and minimized obstruction risks. Geosynthetic installation and certification in the leaching areas reinforced sealing and system performance, minimizing the risk of leaks and solution losses. Other services, such as the Canito diversion design and facility structural reviews, further supported operational efficiency, functionality, and safety.

Knight Piésold implemented CQA and MQA services across several valley-fill leach pad phases (4B, 5B, and 6). Using advanced techniques such as scintigraphy, ultrasound, thickness measurements, field audits, and Quality Assurance plans, Knight Piésold supported construction quality, optimized resource use, met engineering schedules, and helped reduce operational costs.

Knight Piésold’s work at the Veladero Mine has resulted in substantial improvements across various key aspects of the project. These efforts have strengthened infrastructure, streamlined processes, and supported the long-term sustainability of Veladero’s operations.  Knight Piésold has reaffirmed its role as a strategic partner by supporting each stage of the project in upholding standards of quality, safety, and environmental responsibility.