GeoScience Associates personnel provide support for mine expansion feasibility assessments by providing a hydrological assessment of pit dewatering pumping rates.
We design groundwater models built on site specific three-dimensional geologic block modeling technology, utilizing available historical test pumping results and water level data. Modeling the site facilitates our recommendation of cost-effective dewatering well field design for mine pit development and expansion alternatives. Dewatering system design must meet project dewatering goals for slope stability, while using reduced aggregate pumping rates when practicable. Advantages of reducing total pumping rates include:
- Reduced groundwater extraction and disposal CAPEX/OPEX
- Minimizing offsite environmental impacts
- Ensuring sufficient infiltration basin capacity
- Minimizing transport of contaminated water
- Avoiding mobilization of naturally occurring arsenic
Development of a site specific groundwater model is an integral part of our mine dewatering program. Site specific groundwater models can be used to explore well field configurations for delineation of well site locations which meet dewatering needs, while providing long service life. A predictive groundwater model facilitates reduced infrastructure conflicts and minimizes the effect of dewatering pumping on natural groundwater flow and levels associated with other groundwater users in the hydrologic basin.