Sishen mine in South Africa is one of the largest open-pit iron mines in the world. It is characterized by a complex, compartmentalized hydrogeologic setting that comprised numerous dykes, regional water-bearing faults, and inter-bedded localized geologic units. The groundwater flow in the vicinity is mainly controlled by regional dykes and faults in a karst aquifer. A 3-D groundwater model was used to simulate the unique geologic setting for water management and dewatering strategies at the mine.
Liu, H., E. Nel, J. Kotze, and D. Ding. 2013. Mine dewatering in a compartmentalized hydrogeologic setting at Sishen Mine in South Africa. International Mine Water Association Annual Meeting, Golden, CO, 5-9 August.
Dong Ding
Houmao Liu
Compartmentalized Dewatering.pdf