Mine Dewatering

Ensuring the long-term sustainability of the mine hinges on the ongoing management of water resources, including the implementation of measures to maintain dry-foot conditions. Excavating mineral deposits inherently raises the risk of groundwater accumulating at the surface or infiltrating underground tunnels. While water is essential for mining processes, excessive amounts can lead to unfavorable site conditions, hindering ore production and jeopardizing worker safety.

Our team collaborates closely with mine geologists to devise dewatering systems that adapt to the evolving life cycle of the mine. Each system is meticulously crafted to extract the appropriate volume of water, achieved through precise characterization of groundwater flow patterns and the development of site-specific water budgets. By employing high-lift pumps specifically optimized to operate in challenging conditions, we effectively mitigate the ingress of water into the mine.

WST specializes in crafting comprehensive water management strategies aimed at minimizing the impact of water on mine operations, thus contributing to enhanced environmental, social, and governance (ESG) practices within the mining industry.

Some of our services:

• Hydrogeological and geotechnical characterization
• Evaluation of the aquifer’s hydraulic properties
• Well field planning and design
• Monitoring the installation of wells and deployment of instrumentation
• Data acquisition, analysis and management
• Predictive modeling to optimize mine drainage systems
• Aquifer recovery modeling and study
• Long-term monitoring and compliance reporting