Mine Dewatering

Use of groundwater models to design mine dewatering systems and estimate their effects

By Darrel Dunn, Ph.D., Hydrogeologist  

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Mine Dewatering Groundwater Model

The purpose of this nontechnical web page is to present a groundwater model that demonstrates the use of dewatering wells for underground mine dewatering.  Reconnaissance-level modeling using a relatively simple modeling technique is used for the demonstration.  A sub-surface mine with two adits (tunnels to ore veins) was selected to use as an example.  The locations of the adits relative to the land surface are shown on a topographic map in Figure 1.  The contour lines on this map show land surface elevation.  The land surface is sloping steeply northwestward.  The lower adit (red) is at an elevation of 9930 feet above sea level and extends 1100 feet southeastward into the mountain.  The upper adit (blue) is at an elevation of 10100 feet and extends 1740 feet into the mountain.  Groundwater flowing into the tunnels is reacting with minerals exposed to the water and oxygen to produce acid mine drainage.  The contaminated mine water flows to the stream downslope from the adits and causes undesirable surface water contamination.