Mine dewatering is a major consideration in the development of many mining projects, as well as being a common ongoing issue in existing surface and underground mines.

GRM’s groundwater professionals are also experienced in working within multidisciplinary teams, including geotechnical and mining engineers.  This involvement includes assessment of depressurisation requirements to meet geotechnical design criteria, which commonly comprises:

 

• numerical simulation of slope depressurisation incorporating variable saturation modelling

 

• development of active depressurisation measures, e.g. installation of sub-horizontal drain-holes or construction of drainage galleries

 

• design of monitoring facilities to asses whether geotechnical constraints are being met. This work is commonly carried out as part of pre-feasibility or feasibility level studies and our personnel’s experience in working within integrated mining teams can be critical in fulfilling the study requirements.