Mining Hydrogeology

Water is one of the most critical—and complex—factors in mining. The National Centre for Groundwater Research and Training has partnered with CRC TiME to present the live online course: Mining Hydrogeology.

This comprehensive 3-day course is designed for geologists, hydrogeologists, environmental scientists and managers, engineers, and regulators who need to understand and manage water-related risks and opportunities across the mining lifecycle.

The course combines mining hydrogeology fundamentals with real-world case studies, operational experience, and best-practice guidelines from a mix of academic and mine practitioners from Flinders University, the CRC TiME, and several mining companies.

This course focuses on open pit mining, and covers mine dewatering strategies, impacts on groundwater-dependent ecosystems, slope stability, geochemical processes in developing pit lakes, and long-term groundwater recovery and closure planning. It also discusses the role and uncertainties associated with groundwater model predictions, the conditions under which pit lakes will become terminal sinks versus groundwater throughflow systems after mine closure, the role of density-dependent flow in saline pit lakes, and the strategic use of managed aquifer recharge using excess dewatering water to speed up groundwater recovery after mine closure and hence improve environmental outcomes.

Whether you're working on the ground or overseeing policy and compliance, this course will give you the tools to make informed, sustainable decisions in mining water management.

Presenters:

Peter Cook, Research Fellow, Flinders University

Sarah Harmer, Professor, Flinders University

Simon Gossmann, Lead Hydrogeologist, BHP

Paul Hedley, Principal Hydrogeologist, Rio Tinto

Chris Li, Principal Groundwater Modeller, WSP

Jim McCallum, Lecturer in Hydrogeology, Flinders University

Brad Moggridge, Professor, UTS

Ilka Wallis, Associate Professor, Flinders University