Study on the groundwater pathway exploration and the geological model construction of the mine in karst area

Abstract

[Objective] Karst channels in the mining area are abundant in karst areas, and the combined effect of heavy mining processes will lead to more complicated groundwater system. To identify the hydrogeological conditions of mines in karst areas, the Zimudang gold mine located in karst area in Guizhou was selected for a case study, and systematic hydrogeological investigations and 3D geological modeling were carried out in the gold mine.[Methods] A method combining geophysical exploration with 3D geologic modeling technology was proposed, and the fine 3D geological model of Zimudang gold mine was established based on integrating multi-source data such as exploration drilling holes, geological cross-section maps and geophysical result.The karst channels were depicted, and a hydrogeology conceptual model integrating the karst channel model was established.[Results] Result showed that mining activities have changed the flow direction of the underground river in the first level of the mine, which is opposite to flow direction of the Taipingdong underground river out of the mine. The fault F3 and F6 consisted the watertight boundaries in the east and west of the mine.[Conclusion] This study showed, the groundwater system was changed significantly by the heavy mining work. The karst channel and the hydrogeological boundary could be precisely identified, and the recharge-runoff-discharge groundwater system was also identified, which visualized the hydrogeological conditions of the mines in the karst area. This research could provide support for the scientific prevention and control of underground water pollution in mines in karst areas.

Keywords

karst channel / groundwater pollution / geophysical exploration / 3D geological model / hydrogeological conceptual model / water quality / human activities