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, closure planning 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 modelling boosts operational efficiency and fosters interdisciplinary collaboration by eliminating the need for separate surface/groundwater teams/models.
Evaluate preferential flow paths using several methods including equivalent porous medium, dual domain formulation and discrete fracture networks.
Model the entire mine life-cycle and topographic evolution in a single continuous simulation using Aquanty’s patented dynamic meshing technology.
Reduce uncertainty with HydroGeoSphere’s physics-based approach; ideal for modelling designed topographies & engineered systems. Successfully model hydrologic impacts of mine evolution including pit advance, backfilling, and reclamation activities.
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.
HGS has secured regulatory approvals for open-pit and underground operations in diverse geological settings.
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.
Modelling the Impact of Climate Change in the Athabasca River Basin:
Aquanty partnered with the Canadian Oil Sands Innovation Alliance (COSIA) to model how climate change could impact the hydrology of Alberta’s Athabasca River Basin. Our high-resolution study predicted hotter, wetter conditions by century’s end—suggesting continued water availability to support reclamation efforts, wetlands, and the boreal ecosystem. This kind of modelling helps industry prepare for future climate extremes and ensure sustainable operations.
Geothermal Energy Potential of Active Northern Underground Mines: Designing a System Relying on Mine Water
This study used HydroGeoSphere to evaluate geothermal energy at Québec’s Éléonore mine. Results show a heat pump system tied to the dewatering network could supply 45% of heating needs and cut emissions—showcasing HGS’s power for thermal and groundwater modelling in complex mine settings.
Numerical simulations of water flow and contaminants transport near mining wastes disposed in a fractured rock mass:
This study uses HydroGeoSphere simulations to model unsaturated water flow and contaminant migration in a mining context, specifically the reclamation of open pits with mine waste products. Fractured rock masses are important to study as fractures present preferential flow paths that can promote contaminant transport. The mining industry generates considerable volumes of waste which must be disposed of responsibly. This waste can be an environmental hazard if not managed correctly.
A dynamic meshing scheme for integrated hydrologic modelling 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
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