Ranger Uranium Mine Rehabilitation Project: TSF Dewatering for Closure, Pit 3 Wick Drain Installation & Injection Well Drilling

Danny David

A complex rehabilitation project was undertaken at Ranger Uranium Mine Pit 3, with the primary objective of consolidating tailings and managing brine storage to support the overall closure strategy within Kakadu National Park.

The project team addressed significant technical and environmental challenges, including waterlogged tailings, very soft and highly compressible ground conditions, and stringent regulatory constraints. A large‑scale ground improvement solution was implemented, involving the installation of more than 41,000 prefabricated vertical wick (PVD) drains from a purpose‑built floating barge to accelerate consolidation. This work was performed in parallel with the installation of directionally drilled brine injection wells into the underlying waste rock.

Execution took place in an exceptionally demanding environment, characterised by radiation hazards, acidic waters, tropical wet‑season conditions, frequent storms, and extreme heat. Despite these challenges, the project was completed safely and efficiently, achieving zero lost‑time injuries and a 96% wick installation success rate.

This project highlights the value of innovative construction methods and effective collaboration in delivering safe, sustainable outcomes within one of Australia’s most environmentally sensitive and operationally complex sites.

About the speaker

Danny David Project Engineer, Ventia

Danny David is an experienced civil engineer specialising in environmental remediation and complex ground‑related infrastructure projects. With more than ten years of experience across the construction and remediation sectors, Danny has delivered a wide range of projects involving PFAS management, containment cell construction, industrial legacy sites, and large‑scale site rehabilitation.

Danny has a strong interest in sustainable infrastructure practices and integrates this focus throughout his project delivery. His project experience includes the CFA Fiskville Remediation Project, the Ranger Mine Pit 3 wick drain installation, and multiple defence‑related remediation initiatives.

Danny currently works as a Project Engineer with Ventia, where he is delivering the Portland Gasworks Remediation Project in Victoria.

In addition to his remediation expertise, Danny has also contributed to urban infrastructure projects across metropolitan Melbourne, including roadworks, utility upgrades, and residential subdivision developments.

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