This course will detail how the movement of ARD-impacted groundwater is simulated at mine sites to:
- Characterize groundwater quality downgradient of ARD sources.
- Assess groundwater interception strategies, e.g. drains, pumping wells, etc.
- Predict water quality changes during future operations and post-closure.
An outline of the seminar is below:
- Module 1: Introduction (15 minutes)
- Module 2: Data Review and Conceptual Modelling (60 minutes)
- Module 3: Numerical Flow Modelling (60 minutes)
- Module 4: Numerical Transport Modelling (60 minutes)
- Module 5: Reporting (15 minutes)
- Module 6: Case Studies (180 minutes)
This is a fast-paced, 1-day seminar intended for researchers, regulators, and consultants who are familiar with the basics of groundwater modelling and want to learn more about leading practices and, more importantly, how modelling results should be interpreted. Conceptual modelling and commercially-available flow modeling codes, including MODFLOW, FEFLOW, and HydroGeoSphere, and transport codes (e.g., MT3D, will be discussed).
Questions and discussion will be encouraged, and several recent modelling studies completed by Robertson GeoConsultants Inc. will be presented to illustrate key concepts in practice, including models for the former Rum Jungle Mine Site (Australia) and Myra Falls Mine Site (BC) and the Faro Mine Site in Yukon Territory.
Attendees will learn how to:
- Identify the types of geochemical, geological, and hydrogeological data needed to develop a conceptual hydrogeological model.
- Recognize the key advantages and disadvantages of commercially-available modelling software and codes.
- Understand the process of setting up and calibrating a numerical flow and transport model and assessing modelling uncertainty.
- Establish modelling objectives that produce defensible simulations of groundwater and water quality predictions that can support decision-making and risk management.
- Plan field programs and routine monitoring programs to support the development and/or refinement of numerical flow and transport models.
The audience level for this session is beginner to intermediate. An Introduction to Hydrogeology and Groundwater Management course is a recommended prerequisite.
This session is appropriate for consultants, regulators, and researchers.
Principal Hydrogeologist, Robertson GeoConsultants Inc.
Christoph has 35 years of experience in hydrogeology, with an emphasis on groundwater modelling. Christoph is a member of numerous tailings review boards and has developed groundwater models for major mine sites in Chile, Australia, and Canada.
Principal Environmental Geochemist, Robertson GeoConsultants Inc.
Paul specializes in the prediction, characterization, and control of Acid Rock Drainage/Metal Leaching (ARD/ML) impacts to groundwater and surface water at mine sites.
Principal Groundwater Modeller, Robertson GeoConsultants Inc.
Mahmoud pecializes in the application of groundwater flow and solute transport modelling techniques to assess seepage and associated groundwater impacts from mine waste facilities.
Hydrogeologist/Groundwater Modeler, Robertson GeoConsultants Inc.
Petr specializes in groundwater resources assessments, seepage analysis, and groundwater flow and transport modelling.
