Integrated Approach to Water Resource Characterization for Mineral Exploration Projects

SRK's breadth of experience across the mining industry has effectively allowed us to integrate hydrological, hydrogeological, geotechnical and geochemical characterization programs during mineral resource exploration phases to more effectively and efficiently meet multiple data objectives that are critical for the successful development, operation, and closure of mining projects. The integration of multiple characterization programs may require greater investment during the exploration phase; but we have discovered that, in the longer term, such investment adds considerable value and a positive net return can be realized during the planning, design, and permitting process for the mining project. Conventional practices coupled with innovative applications of new technologies will be discussed to demonstrate the value-added and the cost-savings that can be realized with more robust exploration data sets. Characterization and baseline data sets that are collected during the exploration phase are used to develop sound conceptual models, streamline the planning, design and permitting processes, and ultimately reduce the overall development costs and schedule.