HydroGeoSphere Modelling to Support Mine Operations and Closure Planning
A mine-scale HydroGeoSphere (HGS) integrated groundwater-surface water model is ideal for assessing mine site design performance, including the quantification of pit inflows during operation and the impact of mine operations on the surrounding landscape.
Additionally, climate change projections can be used in conjunction with HGS models to investigate potential climate change impacts on mine operations and long-term sustainability.
Benefits of Integrated Hydrologic Modelling
Boost operational efficiency
Foster interdisciplinary collaboration
Enhance decision support
Reduce uncertainty
Secure regulatory approval
Model the entire mine life-cycle
Improve accuracy
HGS fully-integrated groundwater-surface water modeling boosts operational efficiency and fosters interdisciplinary collaboration by eliminating the need for separate surface/groundwater teams/models.
Successfully model hydrologic impacts of mine evolution including pit advance, backfilling, and reclamation activities. HGS has secured regulatory approvals for open-pit and underground operations in diverse geological settings.
Evaluate preferential flow paths using several methods including equivalent porous medium, dual domain formulation and discrete fracture networks.
Enhanced decision support using HGSRT (near real-time daily simulations) providing comprehensive understanding of mine-water management; including pit dewatering, tailings ponds, and regional groundwater/streamflows.
Model the entire mine life-cycle and topographic evolution in a single continuous simulation using Aquanty’s patented dynamic meshing technology.
Enhance flow solution precision with polygon tracking, providing detailed reporting of lateral and vertical flows at any scale.
Reduce uncertainty with HydroGeoSphere’s physics-based approach; ideal for modeling designed topographies & engineered systems.
Improve understanding of hydrologic systems by simulating explicit water exchanges between domains. Use the unique Hydraulic Mixing Cell technique to trace the origin and fate of tagged water sources.
Special Projects
Aquanty’s HGS simulation technology is emerging as an integral part of mine closure design optimization to verify that post-mining hydrologic conditions meet regulatory criteria.
Forecasting:
Provide real-time forecasting of water budgets from pit dewatering, tailings ponds management, & regional groundwater and streamflow.
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Engineering scenario support for mine mitigation strategies and closure planning; model water quantity and quality impacts from mine pit advance, backfilling, and reclamation activities.
Long-term Predictions:
Long-term predictions for mine scenarios, closure planning, and climate change impacts
A dynamic meshing scheme for integrated hydrologic modeling to represent evolving landscapes:
Aquanty researchers introduced a dynamic meshing scheme to better simulate evolving landscapes in integrated hydrologic models. Implemented within HGS, this novel approach adjusts the model geometry over time— capturing changes like excavation and backfilling in mining operations. A proof-of-concept in Ontario’s Grand River watershed showed that while surface water systems rebound quickly, groundwater systems can experience long-lasting impacts.
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Climate Change Impact Analysis
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Water Resources Engineering and Consulting
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Watershed Management and Decision Support
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Mine Operations and Closure Planning
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Agriculture & Forestry
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Nuclear Waste Management
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Flood and Drought Risk Management, Insurance
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Coastal Hydrology, Thermal Energy Transport and Density-Dependent Flow Applications
Let our experts guide you through our cutting-edge technology and demonstrate how our services can address your specific needs.