During the feasibility stage for any new mine, one of the fundamental questions is: How can the ground be kept dry enough for mining to be carried out efficiently and safely? The majority of mines around the world involve working below the natural water table where, if no action were taken, the areas would be completely submerged. Mines above the water table experienced the ongoing challenge of groundwater ingress from rainfall. Unless this water is removed and kept out, mining is impossible. The importance of a mine’s dewatering system cannot be overstated. If it fails or is unable to remove enough water, the consequences can be severe—such as costly and potentially lengthy delays; compromise to critical structures; and in the worst-case scenario, risk to miners’ lives. A large number of complex considerations must be kept in mind when designing a dewatering system, including:
- The depth of the water table
- The porosity and permeability of the ground
- The amount of surface water present
- The presence of geologic features, such as underground rivers or water pockets
- The level of precipitation and its seasonal variations