Dewatering and groundwater control forms a vital part of many mining projects. Most open pit and underground mines will extend below groundwater level and poorly controlled groundwater can impact the safety and efficiency of mine operations.
Mine sites that implement a planned dewatering programme will typically see benefits of mine dewatering, including:
- More efficient working conditions: better trafficking and diggability, reduced downtime due to pit flooding
- Reduced blasting costs: lowering groundwater levels in advance of working will provide dry blast holes, reducing the need for more costly emulsion explosives
- Lower haulage costs: Dry ore and waste rock weigh less than wet material, so dewatering of rock provides a haulage cost saving
- Improved slope stability and safety: lowering of groundwater levels and reduction in pore water pressures can allow steeper slope angles to be used, while maintaining or increasing factors of safety
Visit the Groundwater Engineering Ltd website for more information on Mine Dewatering