Survey Services
Mining Operations
Dredging Survey Services for Mining Operations
In short: Before you dredge, you need to know exactly what’s in there. Our survey services give mining and industrial operators a clear, accurate picture of sediment volumes, dam capacity, and material distribution – so every project decision is backed by real data.
Know What You're Working With Before You Start
Whether you’re planning a dredge campaign or monitoring a tailings storage facility, accurate survey data is what separates a well-run project from one that overruns on time and budget.
Dredging Systems offers tailings dam capacity surveys and pre/post dredge volume assessments, delivered by our own experienced crew using purpose-fit equipment. We work directly in the environments you operate in – remote, regulated, and unforgiving.
Our Surveys
Tailings Dam Capacity Surveys
Quick answer: A tailings dam capacity survey tells you how much storage space you have left, where sediment has built up, and what needs to happen next to keep operations compliant and running.
Over time, sediment accumulates in tailings storage facilities (TSFs) and process ponds. Left unmonitored, that build-up reduces holding capacity, creates compliance risk, and can force unplanned shutdowns.
Our capacity surveys map the floor profile of your dam or pond, giving you:
Current sediment volume and distribution
Remaining storage capacity
A clear picture of where dredging is most critical.
Data to support regulatory reporting and environmental compliance
Regular monitoring means you stay ahead of capacity issues – not behind them.
Who Uses Dredging Systems Survey Services?
Our clients include mine site operators, project engineers, environmental compliance teams, and water asset managers across the mining and resources sectors.
If you manage a tailings facility or process pond and need reliable data to plan maintenance, satisfy a regulator, or scope a dredge project, this service is built for that.
What Areas Do We Survey?
We provide survey services for:
Tailings storage facilities (TSFs) – capacity monitoring and sediment mapping
Process ponds and water storage – operational capacity assessment
Mine process dams – pre and post dredge volume verification
Evaporation and settling ponds – sediment accumulation monitoring
We work across remote and regional Australia, and our equipment is road-transportable for fast mobilisation to your site.
Our Working Process
How Does the Survey Process Work?
Here’s what to expect when you engage Dredging Systems for a survey:
The process is designed to give you answers, not more questions.
1. Initial consultation
We discuss your site, goals, and any existing data you have
2. Site mobilisation
Our crew and equipment travel to your location
3. Data collection
We survey the pond or dam floor and capture sediment volume and distribution data
4. Reporting
You receive a clear, usable report with volume calculations, depth profiles, and practical recommendations
5. Dredge planning (if required)
Survey data feeds directly into your dredge project scope
Got Questions?
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. How often should a tailings dam be surveyed?
A Most operational tailings storage facilities benefit from an annual survey, or more frequently if sediment input is high or regulatory requirements demand it. The right frequency depends on your site’s activity level and compliance obligations. Our team can help you determine an appropriate monitoring schedule.
Q. Can you survey lined ponds without damaging them?
A Yes. Our survey methods are non-invasive and do not require contact with the pond liner. We are experienced working in HDPE-lined process ponds and tailings dams across Australian mine sites.
Q. Do you provide survey-only services, or does it need to be part of a dredging contract?
A We offer standalone survey services as well as surveys integrated into a full dredge project. Many clients commission a survey first to establish what the dredge scope looks like before committing to a full contract.