SJ undertook the detailed design of the pilot leach pad for the Wetar Copper pilot leach project in 2006. Upon success of the pilot leach pad project, SJ recently completed the feasibility study and undertook the detailed design of the full-scale heap leach facility for the Wetar Island Copper Project.

The work included stability and settlement analyses, water balance modelling, design of runoff diversion channels, process and stormwater ponds, and general water management considerations such as skirts (raincoat) for the heap. This project is one of the most complex heap leach facilities in the world due to the numerous local design considerations. These include high seismicity, steep topography, limited land for pond construction, and climatic considerations (short and intense rainfall period).

The success of this project is a testament to the high level of heap leach facility engineering skills developed at SJ.