High Density Sludge (HDS) Pilot Treatment Trials for Mine Water Remediation

The Mining Remediation Authority (MRA) is seeking a specialist supplier to design, mobilise, operate and report on containerised pilot-scale High Density Sludge (HDS) treatment trials for metal-contaminated mine water at three UK sites: Threlkeld Lead Mines (Westmorland and Furness), Abbey Consols Mine (Ceredigion, Mid Wales), and Minsterley catchment (Shropshire). The trials will validate HDS treatment performance for zinc-bearing mine waters with varying pH conditions and metal contaminants, establishing optimised operating conditions and generating design, cost and operational data for full-scale treatment schemes. The supplier must provide containerised pilot plant equipment, chemicals, consumables, mobilisation, commissioning, operation, sampling, analysis, monitoring, sludge handling, data management and comprehensive technical reporting. All work must comply with UK health, safety and environmental legislation, the Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2015, and include full documentation such as method statements, risk assessments, CoSHH assessments and environmental management plans. The supplier must demonstrate proven experience delivering HDS trials for metal-contaminated mine water, technical capability in treating zinc-bearing and net-acidic or circumneutral mine waters, robust field delivery experience and high-quality data production. Key deliverables include trial operation records, testing methodology, performance assessments, optimised operating parameters, sludge characterisation and final reports with conclusions and recommendations for full-scale design. Each trial is estimated at £150,000-£200,000 ex VAT with approximately six weeks duration, expected completion by 31 March 2027. The MRA may procure one or more site-specific trials and may expand to additional sites.