Galla, V, van Zyl, D & Morrow, S 2008, 'Evaluating Unsaturated Flow of Heap Leach Materials in Large Diameter Column Tests', in AB Fourie (ed.), Rock Dumps 2008: Proceedings of the First International Seminar on the Management of Rock Dumps, Stockpiles and Heap Leach Pads, Australian Centre for Geomechanics, Perth, pp. 193-206, https://doi.org/10.36487/ACG_repo/802_17
(https://papers.acg.uwa.edu.au/p/802_17_Galla/)
Abstract: Two large columns (1.3 m diameter by 2 m tall) were filled with crushed and run-of-mine heap leach ore 
respectively. These columns were instrumented to measure water content and matric suction; the instruments 
were sourced from two different manufacturers.  Water was applied on the top of each column at a range of 
calibrated flow rates and outflows were measured using tipping bucket rain gauges.  A data logger collected 
all the instrument data from where it was transferred to a computer.  This paper describes the grain size, 
saturated hydraulic conductivity and unsaturated flow parameters of the heap leach materials as well as the 
column experimental set-up and results.  The observed results are discussed as they relate to the flux 
application rate, drain down and relative values of water content and matric suction.  The results of this 
study provide important insights in the unsaturated flow behaviour in heap leach facilities.