Underground Deposits Research Articles

Comparative life cycle assessment of sequential chemical and electrochemical processes for the treatment of industrial textile wastewater

AbstractFenton-based processes, chemical and electrochemical, have attracted the interest of industrial and academic researchers for wastewater treatment. However, the deficiency of rigorous comparison between different methods, including assessment of their impact on the environment, has hindered their large-scale application. This study reports for the first time on the sustainability of raw textile wastewater treatment through two sequential processes, Coagulation-Flocculation-Fenton-Neutralization (CF-F-N) and Coagulation-Flocculation-Electro-Fenton-Neutralization (CF-EF-N), based on Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) approach. The CF-F-N and CF-EF-N were optimized at laboratory scale and compared through LCA, using the IPCC-2013 and ReCiPe-2016 midpoint and endpoint methods. The highest CO2 emissions relied on the wastewater primary treatment by CF. This due to the high amount of hazardous sludge generated and the technology necessary for its disposal (i.e., 16.89 kg CO2-Eq/FU for underground deposit in security cells or 47.52 kg CO2-Eq/FU for incineration) as well as the consumption of reagents required for the treatment (alum, 7.72 kg CO2-Eq/FU; and slaked lime, 5.56 kg CO2-Eq/FU). Regarding the sequential processes, the EF-N presented lower carbon footprint (CFP) than the F-N (14.74 kg CO2-Eq/FU vs. 20.74 kg CO2-Eq/FU). Electricity (87.02% of the total CFP) and reagents (88.63% of the total CFP) denoted the main environmental hotspot during the EF-N and F-N, respectively. The EF-N, compared to the F-N, had an inferior incidence in 14 of the 18 impact categories analyzed using the ReCiPe-2016 method at the midpoint level. This is the result of low consumption of reagents and auxiliary chemicals. The electricity was also found as main environmental hotspot of the EF-N. The ReCiPe-2016 method at the endpoint level showed that the EF-N resulted in lower environmental load in all impact categories. The economic performance (11.91 USD/m3 for CF-EF-N vs. 13.66 USD/m3 for CF-F-N) and LCA demonstrated the competitiveness of the electrochemical sequential process compared to the chemical one. The CF-EF-N can be considered more environmentally sustainable technology.

Ask me anything: Catherine Foley

Cathy Foley is a solid-state physicist and Australia’s chief scientist. She previously spent more than 35 years at the CSIRO national science agency, where she also served as chief scientist. With research interests in nitride semiconductors and superconducting electronics, she developed a sensor for locating underground deposits of minerals such as nickel sulphide, silver and gold.

Drone Magnetic and Time Domain Electromagnetic Exploration in Metamorphic Formations: Tool for the Identification of Strategic Sites for Aquifer Exploitation

In the contemporary era, the exploitation of aquifers in the agricultural sector has become increasingly important. In response, researchers have directed their efforts towards the formulation of effective methodologies, with geophysical prospecting emerging as a fundamental tool in locating the best underground deposits. The magnetic prospecting technique can discriminate between different categories of rocks, which facilitates the localisation of geological contacts—an essential factor in determining the strategic location of boreholes, while electromagnetic time-domain prospecting helps in the definition of sedimentary strata. In particular, this process reveals the important influence of tertiary and metamorphic formations on the regional hydrogeological framework of the studied area. The variable yields recorded in the wells in the area that have yielded good results are a clear indication of the presence of aquifers. However, it is important to note that numerous wells have been drilled in this region that have yielded negligible or even zero flow rates. Prudent selection of the location and depth of boreholes is essential to ensure proper management of this resource. The use of drones equipped with magnetometers is essential to speed up the spatial mapping process. Empirical results corroborate the accurate classification of lithological units, thus facilitating the selection of sites for groundwater abstraction. These studies serve to validate initial hypotheses and profoundly enrich our understanding of the hydrogeological dynamics of the site, thus providing avenues for optimal and sustainable exploitation and future academic research.

Проблемы и перспективы внедрения многостадийной выемки руды при отработке запасов калийных месторождений

Introduction. Most of the potash deposits in the world are mined using room-and-pillar mining method with natural support, which is accompanied by high mineral losses, as well as a high mine accidents due to the destruction of supporting elements, waterproof strata continuity and breakthroughs of oversalt water and brines into the mined-out void. Methods. Generalisation, systematisation and analysis of theoretical and experimental research on increasing the extraction ratio of potash ore to establish the methods degree for increasing extraction of potash reserves, to identify unexplored and problematic issues, to determine directions and approaches. Results. Theoretical justification of the possibility and expediency of several-stage stoping for potash mining implementing the principle of re-extraction of reserves from pillars with the provision of necessary protection measures of aquifer in the form of backfill. Conclusion. The article presents the results of an analysis of the specifics of underground mining of potash deposits. The concept of several-stage stoping for potash mining is formulated. Generalized variants of several-stage stoping are presented. The main problems of several-stage stoping implementation at potash deposits are described: the problem of gap-filling in rooms; prediction of altered physical and mechanical properties of seams and host rocks; the influence of multiple excavation on water-resistant properties of waterproof strata in several-stage stoping; the role of time in geomechanical processes; rational composition and recipe of backfill preparation; organization of stowing and clean-up operations at the site; technical and economic expediency of several-stage stoping. Possible lines of approach are suggested. Resume. The use of several-stage stoping for potash mining will increase the extraction ratio, improve the reliability of the waterproof strata during mining by replacing potash seams with a continuous fill mass, utilize waste from potash ore processing, and extend the service life of potash mines. A competent scientific and methodological foundation on the implementation of such technology at potash deposits needs to be built for a deep evaluation of the mining and geomechanical processes in the operation areas and the technical and economic performance of several-stage stoping. Suggestions for practical applications and future research line. The variants of several-stage stoping presented in the article can be used to develop methods of potash mining considering specific mining and geological conditions. Application of the described and similar variants of several-stage stoping in practice will significantly increase the extraction ratio while maintaining a minimal impact on the seam. Future research line will focus on the underground deposit development plan and the geomechanical justification of the parameters of the several-stage stoping.

MANAGING THE HORIZON-ORIENTED IN-SITU LEACHING FOR THE URANIUM DEPOSITS OF MONGOLIA

This paper summarizes the results of evaluating uranium in-situ leaching (ISL) parameters for hydrogenous deposits in eastern Mongolia. This method, also known as in-situ recovery (ISR) or solution mining was proposed for mining used to extract uranium from underground deposits without physically removing the ore. The studies included drilling, geophysical surveying, evaluations of rock properties and chemical composition of rocks and groundwater, as well as modelling coupled flow and transport for the “Ul’zit” deposit as a case study. The proposed horizon-oriented approach to process separate ore bodies at different depths allows for the mining process to be adapted to layered heterogeneity and allows successive leaching by wells of varying diameter and special design. This approach may reduce drilling costs and shorten the time for mining uranium deposits in Mongolia by 2 times on average. It was proven that this method is an environmentally friendly and cost-effective alternative to traditional underground or open-pit mining for uranium ore bodies. The economic evaluation confirms the effectiveness of the proposed solutions.

Future of Mining and Geology: Increase in the Use of Cave Mining Methods to Extract Ore Over the Next 30 Years

Abstract The mining industry faces a period of increasingly difficult challenges over the next 30 years. The increasing demand for traditional mineral resources will likely continue unabated as developing countries modernize and the transition from fossil fuels to renewable energy sources ramps up. Compounding the challenge will be more rigorous constraints on mining imposed by environmental, social, and corporate governance (ESG) standards and regulations, as well as the progression from open-pit and shallow underground deposits to large, deeper, potentially lower-grade deposits, where underground mass mining methods are the only viable option. The latter change will especially apply to metals that are critical to mass electrification, including the traditionally required metals such as Cu, Ni, Co, Mn, Zn, U, etc. The more expensive-to-produce critical metals, such as Li, rare earths, high-purity alumina, etc., are currently only used in smaller quantities, and thus open-pit mining of these may remain viable until their near-surface resources are depleted. The large-scale mining of Cu, Ni, and Mo in particular will increasingly rely on cave mining methods, as these are the only profitable underground methods capable of yielding the large tonnages necessary to meet global demands, such as raising living standards within developing countries and providing the foundation for mass electrification of modern society, and all at a time when shallow deposits mined by open pit are becoming scarce. The application of cave mining is thus expected to increase in the future for deep mineral deposits with characteristics that are suited to this mining method. However, poor cave mine performance and/or unpredicted rock-mass responses (e.g., mine-induced seismicity) during cave mining can threaten the viability of the mine and will reduce investor confidence in this method. Irrespective of whether mining is of a traditional metal on a very large (mass) scale, or of a presently critical metal that now has lower tonnage requirements, we predict that geology will need to be more comprehensively considered during mine planning and design—right from the early stages of mine study—because of the uncertainties that the host rocks (geology) present to mining. This will be especially important in complying with the ESG constraints that are being applied to mining companies, in addition to the concept of sustainability that they also seek to address. We review—and propose remediation research of—the various geology-related issues that are already causing concern during mass underground mining by caving of Cu ore; some of these issues are equally applicable to other types of mining, such as open-pit and narrow-width extraction.

Review of Underground Mining Methods in World-Class Base Metal Deposits: Experiences from Poland and Chile

There are several massive deposits around the world with different geological characteristics. Thus, different mining methods and strategies are applied based on the particularity of each method and mine experience. Particularly, in this work, we review and summarize the underground exploitation of some world-class base metal deposits based on Poland and Chilean experiences. Here, the main geological and mining parameters of Poland and Chilean mines applied in massive deposits are reported and analyzed. In Poland, mainly room and pillar methods (and variants) have been applied in massive deposits. Here, back-filling is required to maintain the mine’s stability due to the large deposit size and open areas. In Chile, the block caving method is commonly used in massive underground deposits where less development is required. Here, the cave is naturally filled with broken material and a large subsidence zone is generated. In this review, it has been observed that different underground methods and strategies can be effectively used in massive deposits. Some parameters that influenced the method selection are mainly related to rock mechanics, ore recovery and dilution, subsidence zone, extraction rate, and mining experience. Here, key mining variables and parameters such as productivity, support, and equipment, as well as various issues related to the world-class deposit are studied. Additionally, a comparison between both experiences is presented, highlighting the main geological and mining parameters. This study can be used as a reference to evaluate the different option of underground mining methods to be applied in future massive mine projects with similar geological characteristics.

New actions and land uses in the historical heritage: the case study of one of the oldest underground water tanks in Madrid (Spain)

The preservation of architectural heritage in Europe is generally associated with the recovery of monumental buildings such as churches and castles, leaving behind a high amount of other historical constructions of civil and industrial architecture that exist in an old country like Spain. High efforts have been devoted by professionals from very different fields aiming to recover and enhance engineering works such as bridges, but the particular case of hydraulic works deserves special attention because it has remained hidden for centuries and sometimes continues to be ignored by society and many institutions. This type of architectural heritage, in the form of underground deposits that represents the case under study in this research, occupies a large area in cities such as Madrid and must be preserved to relieve the pressures of adapting them to accommodate other uses of the land that they occupy. In this paper, the complexity of material characterization and calculation of the Mayor water tank in Madrid (Spain), as an example of this type of construction, is presented. This reservoir currently supplies drinking water to a large part of the city and can accommodate a park on its surface without altering an original 150-year-old structure. As the main conclusion of this research, and in the absence of detailed studies of pathologies, tests, characterization of materials and the terrain, it is recommended to avoid loads greater than 30 kN/m2 in the existing structure, hence the current stresses are not substantially exceeded. This is a recommendation to preserve the historical heritage of this structure against economic and political perspectives that push for a substantial change in its use. This research is an example that can easily be extrapolated to other similar historical infrastructures aiming to guarantee their prevalence in the future.

Environmental changes in Sorbas arid region (Southern Spain) during MIS 5a inferred from a carbonate flowstone from a gypsum cave

Present climate conditions impede the formation of calcite speleothems in the gypsum caves of the semi-arid region of Sorbas (Southern Spain). However, U-Th dating reveals the uninterrupted deposition of a 46 mm-thick carbonate flowstone in the Sorbas caves from ∼78 to ∼71 ka, during Marine Isotope Stage (MIS) 5a. This indicates that the area was vegetated during this period, producing biogenic CO2 in soils necessary for the underground deposition of the speleothem, which contrasts with the current unvegetated landscape. During MIS 5a, rainfall recharged the karst aquifer, leading to cave seepage. The development of soils and persistent water infiltration suggests a higher precipitation/evapotranspiration ratio with respect to the present, which was likely favored by lower regional temperatures and a different annual rainfall regime. δ18O and δ13C analyses testify that the speleothem recorded climate pulses synchronous, and structurally similar, with Greenland interstadial and stadial periods, with relatively wetter conditions recorded during interstadials 21.1, 20 and 19.2, and drier periods during stadials 21.1 and 20. This demonstrates that the climate in the desert-like environment of Sorbas is sensitive to inter- and intra- hemispherical triggers, such as the extent of Northern ice sheets and the Atlantic meridional overturning circulation. Interstadials (stadials) were also characterized by a higher (lower) Atlantic/Mediterranean moisture source ratio. For the first time, we show that carbonate speleothems formed in arid gypsum caves can record reliable palaeoenvironmental information spanning multiple millennia, procuring proxies for detailed palaeoclimate reconstructions. Such speleothems are thus excellent candidates for understanding past climate dynamics and patterns in desert-like gypsum terrains.

Application of 2D and 3D Electrical Resistivity Imaging Techniques for Site Investigation in Ramadi City, Western Iraq

Ramadi city, western Iraq, is considered an area with risks resulting from the presence of gypsum soil near the surface and the water table on shallow depth which facilitates the solubility of the soil and creates a weak area. So a dipole-dipole array with an n factor of 6 and a -spacing of 2 m was used. Ten 2D resistivity imaging traverses and 3D resistivity imaging station were done. The robust constrained inversion method is used to obtain 2D and 3D models. The results show that the topsoil layer extends to 2m depth with resistivity of 800 to 4000 Ωm. This is caused by high inhomogeneities in the deposits. The weakness zones and Depositional lenses appears after 2m depth and extent to 9m with resistivity value extend from 200 to 800 Ωm. Finally, it is concluded that four main reasons for civil engineering failure in Ramadi city. These reasons may be the inhomogeneity of the underground deposition material. In addition, the existence of weak areas and sedimentation lenses, and the change of water table.

Time-reversal of water-hammer waves

Time reversal (TR) of waves is being used in many fields and underpins the foundation of practical equipment that, for example, is used to destroy brain tumour and kidney stones, to detect defects in solids, to pinpoint underground mineral deposits, and to assist in long-distance communication. Theoretically, the TR property of waves is lost in the presence of damping. However, techniques which are based on TR of waves are found to be robust to damping. In particular, the TR property of water-hammer waves was recently used to develop computationally fast and noise-tolerant methods for pipeline defect detection in the presence of viscous and visco-elastic damping. The objective of this paper is to understand how TR-based methods remain applicable when applied to damped water-hammer waves. The problems being investigated are (i) an unbounded pipe with and without damping, and (ii) a bounded pipe with and without damping. Steady friction, unsteady friction, and visco-elastic damping effects are considered. The results show that water-hammer waves remarkably refocus at the correct position and timing of the source. The spatial resolution of the waves in both unbounded and bounded pipe systems is about half the minimum probing wavelength . However, damping reduces the amplitude of the refocused wave which may affect the resolution in the presence of large noise.

Impacto do manejo do solo nas propriedades físicas de um latossolo vermelho da região de ‘Campos de Cima da Serra’, Rio Grande do Sul

The expansion of cultivation areas, especially in the last decade, has changed the landscapes of ‘Campos de Cima in Serra’ ofRio Grande do Sul state, where livestock activity has been developing for 300 years. The introduction of silviculture, grain crops, andorchards, in addition to the cultivation of vegetables, have imposed different managements on the soils, ranging from direct planting to the use of rotary hoes. This work sought to evaluate the impact of different types of soil management on the physical properties and water infiltration capacity of a ferralsol, typical of this region of the north of Rio Grande do Sul state. The soil under the management of native grazing fields showed lower particle and bulk densities and resistance to penetration, while soil planted on garlic crops showed greater resistance to penetration, particle and bulk densities, and lower total porosity and macroporosity. The average infiltration speed was 29.2 mm∙h-1 for the native field under grazing (T1), 65.4 mm∙h-1 for planting on soybean straw (T2), and 20.0 mm∙h-1 for planting on garlic crop (T3). It was observed that intensive management, such as the use of the rotary hoe, had a considerable negative impact on the physical properties and the speed of water infiltration in the soil and, consequently, potential damage to the replenishment of underground deposits, when compared with direct planting and the native field.

Numerical analysis of the transport of brine in the Odra River downstream of a mine's discharge

Abstract The mining of underground deposits causes the inflow of water to workings and the necessity of pumping them to the surface. The mining plant of KGHM Polska Miedź S.A. extracts copper ore in plant branches with different hydrogeological conditions. The inflowing water into the workings is characterised by variable mineralisation, which depends on the location of the branch. In the south-western part of the deposit, a low-mineralised stream with a relatively high flow rate can be observed, while the outflow of highly saline waters occurs in the north-eastern branch. Despite the activities undertaken that aim at using the pumped-off mine waters industrially, it is necessary to deposit them into the Odra River. Reducing the environmental impact on the Odra River is one of KGHM's goals, which is being implemented by stabilising its salt concentration at a safe level. The paper presents the results of a 3D simulation of brine plume propagation based on a numerical model of advection–diffusion and turbulent flow. Bathymetric data from a section of the river approximately 500 m long and point data from an Odra water quality test were used to develop and validate the model. The paper discusses the types of factors that minimise the impact of brine discharge. The developed model will be used in the future to propose solutions that accelerate the mixing of mine waters with the waters of the Odra River.

Pipelines proposed for CO2 capture, transport

Some oil and gas firms are leveraging their expertise in handling CO 2 to create a new crop of customers based on carbon capture equipment and services. The pipeline company Kinder Morgan formed a New Energy Transition Ventures division in mid-March that will invest in carbon capture and sequestration as well as in hydrogen production and renewable energy. Kinder Morgan sells CO 2 on a billion-dollar scale annually, with almost all of it coming from underground deposits and being used for enhanced oil recovery . “Now we’re looking to invest upstream in the form of carbon capture,” group president Jesse Arenivas told Bloomberg . Separately, the fuel and petrochemical maker Valero is planning a 2,000 km network of liquid CO 2 pipelines in Nebraska, Iowa, South Dakota, Minnesota, and Illinois. The pipelines are intended to bring CO 2 from ethanol makers and other industrial sources in the Midwest to sequestration

Types, structure and location of fractured gold pockets

Fractured gold ore pockets of various types are classified and their structure is described in detail. This will allow explorationists to confirm high-grade gold ores, which is especially important in underground deposit mining. Gold pockets were mapped and analyzed by the author at deposits in Uzbekistan (Muruntau, Daugyz, Charmitan, Kokpatas), eastern Trans-Baikal region (Darasun, Balei, etc.) and Kochkarskoye (South Urals). Also, the paper describes the material collected by the author at gold pockets in Natalkinskoye, Nezhdaninskoye, Pavlik and Kyuchus deposits in Yakutia, Berikul in Western Siberia, Bakyrchik in Kazakhstan as well as deposits from Australia (Kalgoorlie, Northman, etc.), USA (Comstock, etc.), Canada (Porcupine), among others.

Evaluation of Stope Stability in Underground Mine; Hermyingyi (Sn-W Deposit) Mine in Myanmar

The stability of underground excavations has become an important issue in order to extend underground mining operations and extract deeper deposits. The increasing demand for Tin-Tungsten (Sn-W) for industry and its market price has created a motivation for mining companies to extract deep-seated Sn-W ore deposits in Myanmar. Thus, this paper aims to investigate the stability of underground openings, especially, the stope with considering the mining methods. To meet the objective, FLAC3D 5.0 simulation was used for the assessment of stope under different stress ratios, 0.5, 1.0, and 1.5 for two types of underground mines; Open stoping and Cut and Fill stoping. The results show that the risk of instability of stope is high under the stress ratio of K = 0.5 than that of K = 1.0 and K = 1.5 in both mining methods. However, the stability of the stope in open stope method is lower than that of cut-and-fill method obviously. This result shows that the appropriate mining method has to be selected for extraction of Sn-W deposit carefully in terms of the balance of safety and cost.

Radon Gas in the City of Alicante. High Risk of Low Indoor Air Quality in Poorly Ventilated Buildings.

In December 2019, Spain considered for the first time the presence of radon to the Technical Building Code (Basic Document HS 6: Radon Exposure Protection), although it only mentions minimum presences and the need for ventilation. This research shows that in buried structures or in places with little ventilation, even in soils with a low probability of granite, a high content of radon gas can be found. The city of Alicante has been used as a measurement location for different architectural sites; here, the level of 100 Bq/m3 is the first threshold where the gas must be monitored, and the level of 300 Bq/m3 is the maximum threshold above which corrective ventilation measures must be taken. The research conducted during the years 2015 and 2016 shows that it is necessary to account for also the areas considered to be “low presence of radon gas” to achieve healthy constructions. The renewal of air in the different places will be tested for the presence of radon, i.e., the greater the accumulation is, the less ventilation and the greater the risk of accumulation of radon gas. This study is located in the city of Alicante, where the seven civil constructions are located: two Civil War shelters, the Santa Barbara Castle, the Ereta Powder Keg, the Luceros-Marq and Serra Grossa railway tunnels and the Británica underground deposits. Radon gas is currently a concern for major health and medical agencies because it is considered to be a chemical element that is very harmful to people. The World Health Organization is one of the organisations that has the objective of studying and researching this element, to develop solutions. Radon gas is normally found in a gaseous state and is highly radioactive. It is present in many terrains and it is mostly found in those with granite; although the presence of this element is very low, there is always a minimum presence. In the past, in nongranite soils, the dose of radon was considered to be so low that it was insignificant. Therefore, in this research, the aim is to consider the high presence of radon gas in nongranite soils as long as the conditions for its accumulation are present.

Simulation Possibilites of the Post-Mining Goafs Impact on the Deformations Induced by Next Underground Mining Operations with Use of the Cellular Automata Method

Underground mining operations in the area of a rock mass affected by previous exploitation may cause additional deformations to appear on the surface. The size of these deformations can be significant, and their character is often non-linear. The nature of these deformations cannot be justified solely by the impact of current mining operations. At the same time, the predictive method of S. Knothe, widely used in Poland, does not explicitly include these types of phenomena. In the area of intensive and long-term mining exploitation, such as the Upper Silesian Coal Basin, the practical possibility of simulating this occurrence may be helpful in the planning of new mining exploitation under construction objects. Today we are usually limited to numerical modelling methods like finite difference method (FDM). This one base on the principle of mechanical similarity. The theoretical usefulness of method (and its similar) has already been proven many times. The main impediment to its practical application is the lack of recognition of the rock mass in terms of its mechanical properties. The presented method is a new approach to the possibility of modelling the subject phenomenon. The method has not been used in practical forecasting mining area deformation caused by underground deposits mining. It’s characterized by a huge potential for further development.

Natural Seepage of Methane and Light Alkanes at Three Locations in Southern California

Methane and light (C2–C5) alkane fluxes were measured from three geologic seepage sites in Southern California during May and June of 2019. Samples were collected from visible macroseeps in Carpinteria, McKittrick, and Ojai using an aluminum flux chamber with attached stainless-steel canisters and were analyzed for C1 to C5 alkanes via gas chromatography. Carpinteria fluxes were characterized by a lower percentage of volatile organic compounds relative to methane but greatly enhanced (~20:1) ratios of i-butane to n-butane. McKittrick and Ojai exhibited less methane-rich emissions and i-butane to n-butane ratios of less than 2:1. The differences between gas ratios observed at the surface and those previously reported from underground gas deposits at Ojai suggest that gases undergo alterations to their molecular composition between deposit and surface. The ratios of emitted gases in this study show that not only does geologic seepage have a much different volatile organic compound profile than oil and natural gas extraction and pipeline natural gas, but also that individual geologic seepage locations exhibit large variability.

Groundwater Mining in Contemporary Urban Development for European Spa Towns

Mining activity is usually associated with heavy industry, the degradation of space and areas with a clearly industrial character. In fact, mining can be associated with other functions, such as health resorts, recreation and leisure. In the case of spas specializing in balneotherapy, medicinal underground waters “mineral and thermal” are extracted from local deposits using mining methods, in borehole mines. Mining activity is not the main direction of development of these places, but it remains absolutely essential for maintaining the spa function and offering services in the field of recreation, rest and tourism. The article focuses on the relationship between mining activity and the basic function of spas, the spatial relations between urban development and the spa zone, the range of mineral and thermal water use (natural resources obtained from underground deposits using the borehole method), and above all-the manner of exposing mining facilities in spa space and explaining the importance of these elements. The basis for the discussion featured in the article is constituted the results of an original study carried out by the author, employing field research, in 2018 at the Institute of Cities and Regions Design, Faculty of Architecture of the Cracow University of Technology. Research work was performed in a dozen South-German statutory spas (Baden-Württemberg, Bavaria, Saxony). Four cities representing a much wider group of spa centres were selected for detailed analysis: Bad Buchau, Bad Saulgau, Bad Aibling and Bad Schandau. It was shown that the selected cities were directly related to the mining of groundwater, but at the same time differed significantly in terms of the studied features. The study's conclusions may be useful in programming the development of spa towns operating on the basis of underground medicinal waters, as well as in the creation of concepts and projects on the urban and regional scale. Doi: 10.28991/HEF-2020-01-01-01 Full Text: PDF