SRK Consulting (UK) Limited was engaged by Toro Gold Ltd to conduct a Pre-Feasibility Study (PFS) and subsequent Feasibility Study (FS) for the Mako Gold Project in Senegal. The studies focused on the hydrogeological and hydrological aspects of the Petewol open pit, integrated with geotechnical studies, to enhance the understanding of the site's groundwater and surface water systems to support both environmental management and operational planning.
The hydrogeological component of SRK’s work included the assessment of groundwater inflows into the open pit. During the PFS, analytical solutions were employed to estimate inflow rates, while the FS advanced these estimates using MODFLOW numerical groundwater flow modelling. Field investigations for the FS involved pumping tests, slug tests, and spinner tests to characterize aquifer properties and assess structural controls on groundwater flow. Additionally, SRK evaluated the cone of depression caused by dewatering and its potential impact on local water supply boreholes, as well as the formation of a pit lake post-closure.
On the hydrological side, SRK installed two river stage gauges to monitor surface water levels, trained on-site personnel in their operation, and conducted a walkover survey to identify potential locations for a water supply dam. The dam site assessment considered catchment characteristics, hydrological behavior, and construction requirements, ensuring its suitability to meet the project’s water needs. SRK also provided training for converting exploration core holes into sealed monitoring piezometers, which improved the reliability of groundwater monitoring data.
The work advanced Toro Gold’s understanding of the hydrogeological and hydrological systems, enabling informed decision-making for the project's environmental and operational planning. The Mako Project is currently operational.
