Consulting | FracMan Group | Workshops

FracMan Projects: Mining Industries

Groundwater Modeling for Tailings Ponds

Client: Chino Mines Company
Contract Amount: $100,000 (approximate)

Performed three dimensional groundwater flow and solute transport numerical modeling to predict long-term effects of tailings pond expansion on sulfate concentrations in groundwater. Model calibration was based on existing field data and data obtained from aquifer tests on existing wells.

Probabilistic Groundwater/Methane Mine Inflow Study

Client: Westinghouse Hanford Company
Contract Amount: $100,000

Developed a stochastic hydrogeologic model to estimate groundwater and methane inflow rates into an underground facility in low permeability fractured basalt as part of the design of an underground testing facility. Uncertainties in all critical elements of the data base were incorporated into the analysis, including the geologic structure and hydrologic parameters. The resulting probabilistic inflow estimates were subsequently used to design the dewatering and ventilation systems for the facility to address an acceptable level of risk. The study, which cost about $100,000, resulted in a system design which cost tens of millions of dollars less than would have been justified by typical conservative deterministic design methods.