Barr has worked with a Wyoming trona-mining client for nearly 25 years. In 2012, we began working on a joint engineering and environmental project to increase production by debottlenecking processes throughout the plant. Our client had identified 16 processes for optimization, ranging from underground mining and hoisting to crushing, grinding, calcining, shipping, and disposing of tailings.
Barr completed basic engineering designs for optimizing each of the 16 processes, as well as plans and specifications and estimated costs. Our client used the designs and data to develop a strategy for implementing the work based on cost and increased production.
An environmental component was integrated with the engineering work. Barr reviewed multimedia permitting requirements for the modified processes and then determined the implications of permitting various combinations of the 16 processes. We analyzed four possible process combinations and worked with the company to create an overall engineering and permitting strategy. This master plan served as a blueprint for implementing process modifications to best balance permitting schedules and costs. As part of the project, Barr also prepared applications for necessary air permits.