A strategic approach to the design and implementation of an effective mine dewatering system

Authors: Bester, M; Nel, E; McGavigan, GM

DOI https://doi.org/10.36487/ACG_rep/1308_22_Bester

Cite As:
Bester, M, Nel, E & McGavigan, GM 2013, 'A strategic approach to the design and implementation of an effective mine dewatering system', in PM Dight (ed.), Slope Stability 2013: Proceedings of the 2013 International Symposium on Slope Stability in Open Pit Mining and Civil Engineering, Australian Centre for Geomechanics, Perth, pp. 365-380, https://doi.org/10.36487/ACG_rep/1308_22_Bester

Download citation as:   ris   bibtex   endnote   text   Zotero


Abstract:
In order to reduce business and safety risk at Anglo American Kumba Iron Ore mining operations, it is imperative that groundwater is strategically managed to ensure dry mining conditions and depressurised slopes whilst ensuring maximum effective usage of the abstracted water and managing the potential environmental impacts. Hydrogeological input into slope design is required in order to ensure safe mine production and minimisation of costs. A structured approach according to engineering design principles is suggested for the design and implementation of an effective and efficient mine dewatering system. Comprehensive data collection and site characterisation, conceptual and numerical groundwater flow modelling as well as dewatering simulations are required to accurately determine the dewatering system requirements. Subsequent to implementation, a comprehensive monitoring program is put in place in order to optimise the dewatering system and effectively manage the environmental impact. The implementation phase of an effective dewatering strategy at Sishen and Kolomela Mines are discussed as case studies.

References:
Basson, I. (2011) Sishen Mine Structural Model update, Kumba Iron Ore internal document.
Bieniawski, Z.T. (1988) Towards a creative design process in mining, Mining Engineering, Vol. 40, pp. 1040–1044.
Bieniawski, Z.T. (1991) In search of a design methodology for rock mechanics, Rock Mechanics as a Multidisciplinary Science, in Proceedings 32nd US Symposium on Rock Mechanics, J-C. Roegiers (ed), 10–12 July 1991, Norman, USA, Balkema, pp. 1027–1036.
Bieniawski, Z.T. (1992) Invited Paper: Principals of engineering design for rock mechanics, in Proceedings 33rd US Symposium on Rock Mechanics, J.R. Tillerson and W.R. Wawersik (eds), 3–5 June 1992, New Mexico, USA, Balkema, pp. 1031–1040.
Hill, P.H. (1983) Techniques in teaching creative engineering design, in Proceedings ASEE Annual Conference, 19–23 June 1983, Henrietta, USA, American Society for Engineering Education, New York.
Itasca (2011) Numerical modelling of the Sishen acquifer, Kumba Iron Ore internal document.
Meyer, R. (2009) Sishen Mine conceptual geohydrological model, Kumba Iron Ore internal document.
Middlemis, H. (2001) Groundwater flow modelling guideline, Murray Darling Basin Commission.
Morton, K.L. (1993) A Phased Approach to Mine Dewatering, Mine Water and the Environment, Vol. 12, Annual Issue, pp. 27–34.
Read, J. and Stacey, P. (2009) Guidelines for Open Pit Slope Design, CSIRO Publishing.
Stacey, T.R. (2009) Design-a strategic issue, The Southern African Institute of Mining and Metallurgy, SA ISSN 0038-223X/3.00 + 0.00.
Sterret, R.J. (2007) Groundwater and Wells, Third Edition, A comprehensive guide for the design, installation, and maintenance of a water well, Johnson screens, A Weatherford Company.




© Copyright 2024, Australian Centre for Geomechanics (ACG), The University of Western Australia. All rights reserved.
View copyright/legal information
Please direct any queries or error reports to repository-acg@uwa.edu.au