Study of the hydrogeological characteristics and permeability of the Xinli Seabed Gold Mine in Laizhou Bay, Jiaodong Peninsula, China

Abstract

This paper presents a case study investigation into the hydrogeological characteristics and permeability of rock mass in a seabed mine. Following an introduction to the geology and hydrogeological conditions in the Xinli mine area, we reveal the features of the preferred structural planes, dynamic characteristics of mine water seepage, and the permeability of the fractured rock mass in the pit. The permeability of the pit rock mass shows varied characteristics at different geotectonic locations because of the different degrees to which the structural planes developed. The fractured rock mass generally shows low permeability, and the main composition of water seepage is high-salinity brine. Future large-scale undersea mining may induce rock mass movement, destroy water-resistant layers, and enhance water transmissibility and the probability of water gushing into the pit. Thus, strengthening the quality of the filling mass, protecting the stope roof and the water-resistant layers, as well as regular monitoring of water seepage discharge and identification of water sources are critical to work safety and the prevention of seawater gushing in the mine.