Estimation of Mine Water Quantity: Development of Guidelines for Indian Mines

Abstract

There are no available guidelines in India for estimating the quantity of mine water in an operational mining pit. Based on multiple case studies, procedures to determine water quantities have been developed for Indian geo-mining conditions, which varies with season and pit depth, India’s monsoonal rainfall pattern, aquifer conditions (local and regional), and groundwater flow directions have been considered. These guidelines can be used for scientific assessments in surface pit mines, and for planning dewatering. Groundwater movement in underground mines is predominantly lateral, coinciding with the water table, and recharged by leakage from overlying aquifers, so water estimation can be based on volume and the size of voids/openings created underground. These guidelines should be useful for planning mine production and water management.