Abstract

Lead and zinc ore deposits of the Mississippi Valley type (MVT), located in the Olkusz ore district (south Poland) are connected with strongly karstified Triassic carbonates, mainly dolomites. In this paper changes in the groundwater inflow quantities to the Zn-Pb mines in the Olkusz region are discussed: Boleslaw, Olkusz and Pomorzany. Themining activity in the Olkusz region is connected with probably highest groundwater inflows in the World. Occurrence of the karstic systems within Triassic rocks is a reason for extremely high water inflow to the underground mining workings, obtaining the value of 40 m3/min in Boleslaw mine, about 95 m3/min in Olkusz mine and about 300 m3/min in Pomorzany mine. The main problem in the dewatering of the Triassic ground is the presence of the water-filled karstic systems. After the cutting of the karstic channels or caverns by the mining workings an abrupt increase of the water inflow to the mine dewatering systems is observed. Karstic forms, as an intrinsic drainage systems for fissures and matrix porosity, are responsible for enlargement of the recharge zone of mines.

Talk to us

Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have

Schedule a call

Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.