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T. Molebatsi, S. Galindo Torres, L. Li, D. Bringemeier and X. Wang
Many open pit mines are located in fractured rock systems where water flow paths are complex and difficult to predict. These flow paths are typically controlled by a small subset of fractures that are permeable and interconnected. Most models of flow in fractured rock systems are based on a network of interconnected fractures that are all assumed to be permeable. However this assumption is rarely observed in natural rocks where a significant fraction of the fractures within a connected cluster could be impermeable.
By Detlef Bringemeier
Deep wells in fractured rock aquifers are typically less attractive than comparatively low cost and high yield wells in shallow alluvial aquifers. Environmental constraints, lag or overproduction of alluvial aquifers, and proximity to the end user are good reasons to explore fractured rock aquifers as a feasible alternative to alluvial aquifers.
By D. Bringemeier & X. Wang, H. Xing & J. Zhang
High resource prices over the last decade made mine developments in ground with challenging geotechnical conditions more feasible. Among others, mines were developed in geothermal active areas. Geotechnical risk assessments for mine developments in geothermal areas do not only have to consider a wide range of well known geotechnical hazards, but also need to include geothermal hazards.
