Groundwater

Mining throughout the world has entered a new phase.  Larger mines, higher production rates and mining significantly below the water table have dramatically increased the importance of groundwater management.  Deposits once passed over due to groundwater concerns are now being brought into Read more... about The True Cost of Groundwater

An evaluation of the surface water and groundwater systems for an existing or proposed mining project is important for almost all mines. There is either too much, too little or there are issues of managing water
quality either on the mine site or for discharge during operation and after Read more... about The importance of a good Mine Water Balance and the benefit of early data collection

Specialists from SRK Consulting’s water resources division explain how careful planning with respect to water supply and disposal can play a vital role in the outcome of a mine. Read more... about Making the Most of Mine Water

Integration of multiple characterization programs may require greater investment but such investment adds considerable value Read more... about Integrated Approach to Water Resource Characterization for Mineral Exploration Projects

With the variability of commodity prices and the constant increase of mining costs, it has become increasingly important to optimize pit slopes of mines, taking into consideration the complexity and the uncertainties presented by ground conditions. The variables in slope stability, geology, rock mass strength, structural defects, inherent and induced stresses, rock weathering, alterations, and groundwater, are well known, as are their impacts  on  slope  performance.  Most  variables  cannot  be  changed  to  optimize  slopes. However, groundwater is one variable that can be managed during pit excavation, to reduce the effect of pore pressure on slope stability. Hydrogeologists and rock mechanics engineers combine their efforts in order to quantify, simulate, and control the effect of groundwater pressures on pit slope performance. Based on comprehensive field hydrogeological data collection and interactive numerical groundwater and geotechnical modeling, it is possible to evaluate the water pore pressure effect on the pit slope, to provide an efficient depressurization strategy to meet the geotechnical engineering targets, and thus to develop cost-effective mine plans. This  paper  discusses  how  proper  management  of  groundwater  conditions  can contribute to mine planning and operations, through pit slope optimization. We show a complete approach from collection of hydrogeological data in the early stages of a project to design of an appropriate depressurization plan, taking into account the rock mass conditions, the mining plan, and the time to achieve an optimal pit slope. Read more... about Pit Slope Optimization Based on Hydrogeologic Inputs

The Hycroft Mine (owned and operated by Allied Nevada Gold Corporation) has been conducting groundwater studies to support permitting for a future mine expansion since 2010. The primary objective of the study is to characterize the hydrogeology influencing the proposed mine expansion and quantify groundwater influx to the proposed open pit in order to plan for future active dewatering. SRK Consulting conducted the field investigation and characterization work, which included monitoring well construction in air- and mud-rotary boreholes, isolated corehole packer testing to define hydraulic conductivities across specific fault zones, and installation of corehole piezometers through faults to define potentiometric surfaces. High quality in-situ data were collected, with submersible pressure transducers capable of recording at high temporal frequencies, of pressure, depth to water, and temperature. Isolated packer testing and well constructions were impacted by high temperatures, corrosive fluids, and hydrogen sulfide gas (H2S). However, these were overcome by modifications to the packer system, and through innovative selection of well and piezometer casing materials. Read more... about Hydraulic Testing in Geothermal Waters with Hydrogen Sulfide Gas, Hycroft Mine, Nevada