Dams & Hydro

As sub-consultants to Wave Solutions of Australia, ARQ has put out to tender the construction of the 23m high Mukurumudzi embankment dam in south eastern Kenya. The dam will be constructed to provide process water for the Kwale Mineral Sands Project, which aims to mine titanium and zircon minerals from the dunes in the area south of Mombasa.

The dam is configured as a zoned embankment of some 200 000 m³ of soils originating from the local area. Flood handling will be managed through an uncontrolled ogee spillway over a saddle on the left bank. Foundation drilling and grouting commenced in early October and was completed in January 2012.

The bi-modal rainfall seasons in southern Kenya require tight programming and careful river diversion strategies to maximise production and minimise risk. To meet the mining project deadlines, impoundment commenced in April 2013 to catch the “long rains”. Construction of the 23m earthfill embankment dam was completed in August 2013 and the dam has filled to capacity.

Project details