Mine Dewatering
Design, implementation and operation of large-scale dewatering systems for mines throughout the world.
The design and implementation of effective mine dewatering and slope depressurization systems is an important component of many surface and underground mining operations. Schlumberger Water Services has designed, implemented and operated large-scale dewatering systems for mines throughout the world. We have experience in high flow, deep well dewatering systems for mines that produce many thousand gallons per minute. We also have extensive experience in low-permeability hydrogeologic systems where pit slope depressurization is essential to maintain stable slopes. In addition to dewatering/depressurization design, we develop systems such as rapid infiltration basins to dispose of excess water in an environmentally sound manner.
Services that we offer on dewatering and depressurization projects include:
- Hydrogeological investigations and testing
- Modeling of dewatering/depressurization systems
- Detailed design of wells, drains, sumps and other dewatering measures
- Selection of pumps, controls, pipes and other dewatering infrastructure
- Dewatering system management and optimization
- Design of systems to manage or dispose of excess water
- Assistance to mining personnel during dewatering operations
- Turnkey dewatering systems
Project Examples:
Las Cristinas dewatering system design
Location - Venezuela
Client - Placer Dome
Description - Schlumberger Water Services conducted extensive hydrogeological field investigations at the Las Cristinas proposed mine site in the jungle. The site receives more than 3 meters per year of rainfall and is adjacent to major rivers. The work included prefeasibility and feasibility design and costing. It also included the production of detailed dewatering system design drawings for construction.
Collom pit hydrologic assessment
Location - Colorado, USA
Client - Kennecott
Description - SWS conducted a hydrology and hydrogeology program at a proposed new open-pit coal mine to obtain information for the prefeasibility study and baseline environmental monitoring. Extensive field testing was conducted to define the site hydrogeology, design dewatering, and slope depressurization measures, and to obtain information for a regional groundwater model. The model will be used to evaluate other potential mining targets in the area and to provide predictions of impacts for permitting.
Skyline Mine dewatering system design and cost analysis
Location - Utah, USA
Client - Canyon Fuel Company
Description - SWS completed a preliminary engineering design and analysis for a dewatering system. The report, meant to support discussions with the local stakeholders, included a conceptual design for the dewatering system and a capital and operating cost estimate of cost per acre-foot.
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