Behind the Scenes: The Specialized Tools and Tech AUS Uses to Dredge Mining Ponds Efficiently

What does it take to keep a mining operation’s water systems running at full capacity? It’s not just muscle and machinery—it’s expert design, continuous oversight, and deep industry knowledge.

At AUS Dredge and Dive, every dredging project begins with strategy and ends with results. We combine field-tested tools, MSHA-certified dive teams, and custom-built dredges to restore pond function and optimize water flow without putting production on pause.

In this blog, we’re pulling back the curtain to show how our specialized technology and dredging services help solve one of the mining industry's most persistent problems: sediment buildup in tailings ponds, basins, and water systems.

Whether you're running a frac sand plant, a rock quarry, or managing multiple mine sites across the U.S., sediment buildup is inevitable but preventable.
 

When Efficiency Matters Most in Tailings Ponds 

Tailings pond maintenance is more than just a clean-up job, it’s a strategic necessity. As sediment layers thicken, they choke off flow, stress your pumps, and reduce overall storage capacity. This leads to higher risks of:

• Environmental violations due to overflows or leakage
• Slower water recycling, impacting processing speed
• Equipment breakdowns and unplanned downtime
• Increased regulatory scrutiny, especially in groundwater-dependent operations
   

Every year, mining operations in the U.S. withdraw nearly 4 billion gallons of water. When your ponds aren’t optimized, every drop becomes more expensive.

Our sediment removal services don’t just address the problem—they help you manage its return and maintain long-term system performance.  AUS delivers long-term, tailored solutions for mining pond dredging and tailings pond dredging that keep your systems running efficiently.

The Tech That Powers Our Precision

AUS Dredge and Dive stands apart because we invest in tools and training that give our clients a measurable edge. Here’s a closer look at how we work:

• Sediment Calculator – Our online Sediment Calculator helps mining operations estimate volume buildup in their ponds and plan projects before emergencies arise. It’s one of the first steps in building a proactive sediment strategy.
• Advanced Hydraulic and Mechanical Dredges – We deploy equipment suited to the specific material and conditions at your site, whether that’s fine slurry or heavy tailings.
• Remote-Operated Tools & Diver Teams – Our MSHA-certified divers and operators work in tandem to ensure thorough pond maintenance.
• Data Logging – We track sediment removal rates and monitor turbidity levels to reduce impact on water clarity and ecology during dredging.
   

This technology allows us to maintain critical systems for clients across multiple sectors, without shutting down your operation.
 

Serving the Entire Mining Water Lifecycle

We provide complete lifecycle support for mine pond dredging operations, delivering expertise from initial assessment to final restoration nationwide:

• Tailings pond cleaning
• Retention pond dredging
• Industrial pond dredging services
• Pond restoration for mining
• Frac sand plant water solutions
   

For a broader look at how dredging supports every phase of your operation, explore our guide on the critical role of dredging services for mining pond management.

And because we understand the true cost of delay, our planning and execution processes are designed to minimize disruption and maximize return on investment.

From coast to coast, mining operations rely on AUS not only for technical dredging expertise but for guidance in tackling broader water management issues. If you’re exploring long-term strategies to prevent downtime and manage sediment buildup, our recent post on why so many mining operations trust AUS to solve water challenges offers a deeper dive into the operational risks and how proactive maintenance pays off.
 

Real People, Real Experience

Behind every project is a team built on decades of experience. Founded in 1999, AUS Dredge and Dive started as a three-person crew led by Anthony Di Iulio and Gary Pearce. Today, we’re a 30-strong team completing over 500 dredging and diving projects annually.

Our roots are in solving tough problems—like navigating complex underwater welds, executing time-critical dive procedures, and resolving challenging water body maintenance issues through precision dredging. That legacy of trust, grit, and excellence still drives our work today.

We are proud to support not only mining operations, but also utilities, HOAs, municipalities, and industrial sites. Whether you need sediment removal, emergency response, or long-term water strategy, AUS brings the team, tools, and tenacity to get the job done right.
 

Worried About Your Mining Pond? Let’s Talk. 

If your site is already seeing signs of pump strain, slow drainage, or water discoloration, it may be time to assess your sediment levels. With AUS Dredge and Dive, you can get ahead of the problem.

Use our Sediment Calculator to start your assessment—or call us at (817) 377-8512 for a free consultation.