Estimating the rate of post-mining filling of pit lakes

Abstract

Numerical groundwater modeling was used to predict the post-mining hydrologic impacts for a large open-pit mine. The calculations were based on the planned pit-dewatering activities and the available geologic and hydrologic data. The numerical groundwater model cost-effectively predicted the long-term impacts, on the local and regional hydrologic systems. Throughout ongoing mining operations, additional hydrologic data will be obtained and utilized as a future source of model verification. 3 refs., 2 figs.