Landform and cover design are integrated. Landform topography (i.e. slope gradient, length, curvature) governs the long-term performance of cover materials. Cover system characteristics determine what landform configurations are achievable under a design-storm or climate scenario. SRK’s approach integrates erosion modeling into cover engineering and landform design simultaneously, producing closure landscapes for waste storage facilities that minimize long-term maintenance, reduce bulk earthworks, and lower total closure costs. We support projects from pre-feasibility through detailed design, permitting, construction, and operational phases, as well as legacy asset relinquishment with end land use in mind.
Our aim is to identify where cover and landform design optimization will have the greatest impact. We begin with a site characterization that evaluates closure outcome goals, post-closure land use requirements, climate, cover material properties and availability, and existing facility topography. From this foundation, we develop a project-specific design basis and apply the most appropriate erosion modeling and engineering tools, utilizing landform evolution models (CAESAR-Lisflood, SIBERIA), process-based and empirical models (WEPP, RUSLE2), or emerging tools like Rillgen2D. This iterative approach refines landform topography and cover system specifications until performance criteria are met.
Our landform and cover design experts support projects globally from equatorial climates to permafrost environments across all sectors of mining.
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