Estimate of geohydrodynamic mode in operation of open pit mines in Almalyk ore field

Abstract

With a view to safe open pit mining, the anticipated water inflows in a pit during construction are estimated. A geopermeation model is built for the whole Almalyk or field. The numerical geopermeation modeling of open pit mining used Groundwater Modeling System (GMS) as the most widely applied software system in wide-range problem solution in practical hydrogeology. The test ore field features difficult geological and hydrological conditions (multilayered structure of water-containing stratum, horizontal and vertical lithological and facial variability of aquifers and impermeable beds which are hydraulically interconnected in a varying degree, local extension of this variability). The modeling determines that groundwater level within the limits of local open pit mines conforms with the general laws of fluid flow with minimum levels in the valleys and maximum values at the watersheds and on the hillslopes. The computer-aided geopermeation modeling enables more carful calculation to add the analytical research, which makes it possible to gain insight into essence of an object, its peculiarities and regular patterns which are often indistinguishable without numerical modeling. The studies allow confident affirmation that the hydrogeological model images all major mechanisms of ground water in Almalyk ore field and in adjacent areas, and is applicable for hydrogeological predictions. The latter can help immediately respond changes in the behavior of ground water and eliminate failure in service of mining facilities in the test territories.