Dewatering and Mine Water Management
Dewatering and mine water management are essential aspects of many mine and quarry operations. SRK takes a planned and integrated approach towards water management, incorporating the overall mine development strategy, operational requirements and environmental considerations.
Effective dewatering and mine water management strategies deliver cost saving benefits through managing risks and minimising uncertainties.
Services
- Mine dewatering and depressurisation for slope stability management
- Mine water supply, including conjunctive use
- Mine water balance to optimise and minimise water use
- Acid Rock Drainage (ARD) characterisation, prediction and management
- Surface water management, including site drainage, river diversions and storm water management
- Water chemistry and treatment (active and passive systems)
- Groundwater assessment of tailings management facilities
- Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) baseline studies
- Licensing and permitting
- Mine closure, groundwater recovery and remedial works
Approach
SRK’s approach to effective dewatering and mine water management is to adopt a planned and integrated approach throughout the mine lifecycle, working closely with mine planning, process and geotechnical engineers. The development of a conceptual model is central to the understanding of the surface water and groundwater environment and dynamics.
A conceptual model is derived through the integration of field data, desk-based analysis and interpretation of specific testing programmes. Predictive modelling using a variety of analytical and numerical tools then enables the proposed mine water management system to be optimised.
Experience
SRK has a depth and breadth of experience in dewatering and mine water management which is globally recognised in the mining industry. Our reputation is based on insightful, practical advice built upon sound science and engineering.
Our team of specialists includes hydrogeologists, hydrologists, surface and groundwater modellers, geochemists and environmental scientists supported by mining and process engineers. This expertise is supported by state of the art software tools for modelling of groundwater flow, surface water hydrology, contaminant transport, mine water balance assessment and ARD prediction and impact.
