Supporting Safe and Efficient Mine Dewatering
Installing a new high-capacity dewatering pipeline at a Southern Arizona Mine to support ongoing mine expansion while maintaining critical operations.
KE&G installed approximately 18,500 linear feet of new 10-inch HDPE dewatering pipeline at a Southern Arizona Mine to replace an existing system that conflicted with planned mine expansion. Working in steep terrain, active haul roads, and challenging weather conditions, the team delivered a reliable pipeline designed to support ongoing mining operations.
Project Overview
As mining operations expand, existing infrastructure is often relocated to accommodate future development. Ata Southern Arizona Mine, the existing dewatering pipeline conflicted with planned pit expansion, requiring construction of a new pipeline capable of maintaining dewatering operations while supporting the mine's long-term growth.
KE&G self-performed most of the project, installing approximately 18,500 linear feet of 10-inch HDPE pipeline from the bottom of the open pit, up the ramp, and around the pit to its final connection point. The project included multiple road crossings, connections to intermediate booster pumps, and installation of air release valve assemblies throughout the system. Construction took place within an active mining operation, requiring close coordination with mine personnel, careful planning around haul road traffic, and safe execution in steep, difficult terrain.
Scope of Work
- Installed approximately 18,500 LF of 10-inch HDPE dewatering pipeline.
- Replaced an existing pipeline affected by mine expansion.
- Constructed seven road and haul road crossings.
- Connected the pipeline to two intermediate booster pump stations.
- Installed five air release valve assemblies.
- Installed buried pipeline at roadway crossings.
- Coordinated construction within active mining operations.
- Self-performed most of the project.
Our Approach
Installing a dewatering pipeline through an active open-pit mine required careful coordination with ongoing mining operations and constant attention to safety. Much of the alignment traversed steep slopes as it climbed from the pit floor along the ramp before crossing a different ramp, one of the mine's primary haul roads. KE&G coordinated construction activities around heavy haul traffic while maintaining safe access throughout the project.
The project also faced significant weather challenges during an intense monsoon season that temporarily halted construction for approximately one month. Heavy rainfall damaged access routes and caused a minor landslide, requiring the team to restore access before work could resume. Following remobilization, KE&G cleaned and restored sections of the pipeline affected by storm runoff before completing installation. When standard air release valve connections proved unsuitable for the project's confined installation locations, KE&G worked with suppliers to develop an alternative solution. The team selected electrofusion side outlet fittings that could be fused directly to the HDPE carrier pipe, providing a reliable installation while accommodating the space limitations and operating requirements of the mine's dewatering system.
Built on Ownership
As a 100% employee-owned company, every project we deliver reflects the commitment of the people who own the outcome. Our employee owners take pride in building lasting infrastructure, solving challenges collaboratively, and delivering work that strengthens the communities we serve. That ownership mindset drives accountability, quality, and long-term relationships on every project.
