Distribution of water in deep gold mines in South Africa

Abstract

Gold mines in South Africa use large volumes of water for cooling and other purposes underground. The mines are often at great depths, for example 3600 metres below surface level. Water piped down the shaft can therefore be at high pressures unless a system of pressure reducing dams or valves is installed. Modern practice is to utilize the high water pressures wherever possible. Examples of the use of water pressure include driving turbines for power generation, moving ore by means of high pressure jets and there is the future possibility of driving mining machinery using the water. The operation and analysis of water reticulation systems is complex owing to the complex distribution system and the number of possible operating conditions. Computer programs for the optimum design of such distribution systems and for the hydraulic analysis of such pipe flow systems have been compiled. The high pressures also pose problems in the design of pipework and equipment.