Water quality variation of mining-subsidence lake during the initial stage： cases study of Zhangji and Guqiao Mines

Four quarters＇ water collecting and monitoring samples were done in the mining subsidence lakes of different water storing periods （ 2 to 7 years）, considering the water storing time and pollution sources state of the subsidence lakes. The following indexes were discussed such as organic indexes （TOC, CODM,, BOD, COD）, nutrient salts （TN, NH4^＋, NO3, NO,, Kjeldahl Nitrogen, TP, PO4^3- ）, etc. It is shown that water quality of the mining subsidence lake during the initial stage （ 2 years to 7 years） can stay relatively stable with a fluctuation during different quarters in a year, which can reach class Ill or IV of the Surthcc Water Environmental Quality Standard.

Research on mechanism of groundwater pollution from mine water in abandoned mines

In order to understand the mechanism and regularity of the groundwater contamination from mine water of abandoned mines, experiments were conducted on an abandoned coal mine in Fuxin, a representative city with lots of mine water in northeast China. The groundwater pollution from different contaminants of coal-mining voids （total hardness, SO4^2-, CI^- and total Fe） and pollution factors transportation situation in the coal rock were simulated by soil column experiment under the conditions of mine water leaching and main water leaching （similar to rainwater leaching）, and the water-rock interaction mechanism was discussed during mine water infiltration through saturated coal rock by application of principle of mass conservation, based on physical properties of coal rock, as well as monitored chemical composition. The results show that, compared with the clear water leaching process, trends of change in pollutant concentrations presented different characteristics in the mine water leaching process. Groundwater is contaminated by the water rock interactions such as migration ＆ accumulation, adsorption ＆ transformation, dissolution ＆ desorption and ion exchange during the mine water permeation. The experiments also suggest that at first dissolution rate of some kinds of dissoluble salts is high, but it decreases with leaching time, even to zero during both the mine water leaching and main water leaching.

Mining-induced variation in water levels in unconsolidated aquifers and mechanisms of water preservation in mines

Phreatic water resources are widely found in thick unconsolidated surface layers in western China, where water levels respond sensitively and quickly to large-scale underground mining in conjunction with shallow coal seams. Longwall face #32201 of the Bulianta Coal Mine, in the Shendong coalfield was selected as an industrial trail base, where field observations on ground-water levels were conducted when the working face was below a water-rich area. The space-time variation in the behavior of un-consolidated water levels in response to underground mining and its relation with of advance were observed through the field trials. The basic conditions for water preservation in mines are presented and the mechanisms of water preservation in mining analyzed, given the geological condition of two key strata and a severely weathered layer buried in the overburden. The field trails show that water preservation in mining shallow coal seams can be successful under suitable conditions, providing new technology for envi-ronmental protection in the desert coalfields of northwestern China.

Forecasting water disaster for a coal mine under the Xiaolangdi reservoir

Xin’an coal mine, Henan Province, faces the risk of water inrush because 40% of the area of the coal mine is under the surface water of the Xiaolangdi reservoir. To forecast water disaster, an effective aquifuge and a limit of water infiltration were determined by rock-phase analysis and long term observations of surface water and groundwater. By field monitoring, as well as physical and numerical simulation experiments, we obtained data reflecting different heights of a water flow fractured zone (WFFZ) under different mining conditions, derived a formula to calculate this height and built a forecasting model with the aid of GIS. On the basis of these activities, the coal mine area was classified into three sub-areas with different potential of water inrush. In the end, our research results have been applied in and verified by industrial mining experiments at three working faces and we were able to present a successful example of coal mining under a large reservoir.

Research on Full Space Transient Electro-magnetism Technique for Detecting Aqueous Structures in Coal Mines

Based on the transmitting theory of "smoke ring effect", the transient electromagnetism technique was used in coal mines to detect abnormal areas of aquiferous structures in both roofs and floors of coal seams and in front of excavated roadways. Survey devices, working methods and techniques as well as data processing and interpretation are discussed systematically. In addition, the direction of mini-wireframe emission electromagnetic wave of the full space transient electromagnetism technique was verified by an underground borehole for water detection and drainage. The result indicates that this technique can detect both horizontal and vertical development rules of abnormal water bodies to a certain depth below the floor of coal seams and can also detect the abnormal, low resistance water bodies within a certain distance of roofs. Furthermore, it can detect such abnormal bodies in ahead of the excavated roadway front. Limited by the underground environment, the full space transient electromagnetism technique can detect to a depth of only 120 m or so.

Evolution and modeling of mine water inflow and hazard characteristics in southern coalfields of China:A case of Meitanba mine

In this paper,the hydrogeological characteristics in the southern coalfields of China are first briefly outlined.Then,taking the Meitanba mine as an example,the evolution and modeling of mine water inflow are studied.Finally,the hazard characteristics related to mine water and mud inrush are analyzed.The results show that the main mine water sources in the Meitanba mine area are groundwater,surface water and precipitation.The evolution of mine water inflow with time indicates that the water inflow is closely related to the development of karst structures,the amount of water from rainfall infiltration,and the scope of groundwater depression cone.The mine water inflow increases with time due to the increase in mining depth and the expansion of groundwater depression cone.Using the big well method and following the potential superposition principle,a hydrogeological model considering multi-well interactions has been developed to predict the mine water inflow.Based on the monitored data in the Meitanba mine area over a period of nearly 60 years,it is found that with increasing mining depth,the number of water and mud inrush points tended to decrease.However,the average water and mud flow rate per point tended to increase.

High efficiency of heavy metal removal in mine water by limestone

The removal of Cd, Cu, Ni and Zn from dilute mine water by using several geological materials including pure limestone, sand, carbonaceous limestone and brecciated limestone was performed on a laboratory scale. The results showed that to add geological materials in combination with sodium carbonate injection would notably enhance the efficiency of heavy metal removal to varying degrees. Pure limestone was found the best one among the four materials mentioned above for removing heavy metals from mine water. The removal efficiencies of pure limestone when it is ground as fine as 30–60 meshes are 58.6% for Cd, 100% for Cu, 47.8% for Ni, and 36.8% for Zn at 20℃. The optimum pH is about 8.9 to 9.1. The mechanism of higher effective removal, perhaps, is primarily due to co-precipitation under the control of calcite-related pH value. According to this research, Na2CO3 injection manners, including slug dosing and drip-wise, seemed to have little impact on the efficiency of heavy metal removal.

Hydrogeochemical Characteristics and Groundwater Inrush Source Identification for a Multi-aquifer System in a Coal Mine

Correct identification of water inrush sources is particularly important to prevent and control mine water disasters.Hydrochemical analysis,Fisher discriminant analysis,and geothermal verification analysis were used to identify and verify the water sources of the multi-aquifer groundwater system in Gubei coal mine,Anhui Province,North China.Results show that hydrochemical water types of the Cenozoic top aquifer included HCO3-Na+K-Ca,HCO3-Na+K-Mg and HCO3-Na+K,and this aquifer was easily distinguishable from other aquifers because of its low concentration of Na++K+and Cl-.The Cenozoic middle and bottom aquifers,the Permian fissure aquifer,and the Taiyuan and Ordovician limestone aquifers were mainly characterized by the Cl-Na+K and SO4-Cl-Na+K or HCO3-Cl-Na+K water types,and their hydrogeochemistries were similar.Therefore,water sources could not be identified via hydrochemical analysis.Fisher model was established based on the hydrogeochemical characteristics,and its discrimination rate was 89.19%.Fisher discrimination results were improved by combining them with the geothermal analysis results,and this combination increased the identification rate to 97.3%and reasonably explained the reasons behind two water samples misjudgments.The methods described herein are also applicable to other mines with similar geological and hydrogeological conditions in North China.

The Environmental Dimension of Groundwater in Brazil: Conflicts between Mineral Water and Water Resource Management

There are three legal categories of groundwater in Brazil. Mineral water and potable table water are considered mineral resources, are part of the Federative Union’s assets, and follow the legal regime applicable for the mining sector. “Normal” groundwater, on the other hand, falls under State’s jurisdiction and is dealt within the Brazilian System of Water Resource Management, which promotes a decentralized and participatory management of water resources on surface or stored underground. This has led to conflicts of competences between federal (mining regulation) and state agencies (water resource management) because different concepts and styles of management are involved. This article argues for the urgent need to reopen the discussion aimed at a possible major revision of Brazilian mineral water legislation, in order to duly take into account the environmental dimension of groundwater as a public good for common use. An open-minded and transparent discussion involving the government and different sectors of society with competing interests in mineralized groundwater would therefore be highly recommended.

Effects of Poisonous and Harmful Elements Brought about by Coal Mining on Water Environment in Zibo Coal Mine, Shandong Province, China

Coal resources are very abundant in Zibo, Shandong Province, China. A lot of mining sewages are discharged during the coal mining. The mining sewage is characterized by high ρ (SO 2- 4 ), hardness and totally dissolved solids (TDS). Mining sewage in the southern Zibo is acidic, where heavy metals and benzene are detected. The Xiaofu River is polluted when mining sewage flows into it, so that the Mengshan Reservoir is polluted by Xiaofu River. The groundwater is polluted in Zichuan by the leaking of the Xiaofu River. The polluted Xiaofu River is thus used to irrigate the farmland in Mashang Mengshui zone. The irrigation water affects the quality of shallow groundwater. The laboratory soil column test shows that SO 2- 4, Cl -, Ca 2+ and Mg 2+ can migrate through vadose soil, especially SO 2- 4 and Cl -.

Treatment of mine water high in Fe and Mn by modified manganese sand

The iron and manganese absorption properties of several filter media were studied. Four plain filter media and six surface-modified media were examined. The surface modification was performed using potassium permanganate as a surface treatment. The surface-modified manganese sand was found to be most efficient at removing iron and manganese from water. The metal concentrations in filtered effluent were between 0.01 and 0.04 mg/L, which is far lower than the standard for recycle water. A concen-tration of 5% KMnO4 was found to be most effective as surface modifier. The surface of the manganese sand modified by 5% KMnO4 was examined and found to be covered with a dense membrane of some compound. The membrane had the advantages of uniform texture, large surface area and physical and chemical stability. It was effective at removing iron and manganese from mine water.

Pollution and health risk assessment of heavy metals in waters around mine sites of Elazig(Eastern Turkey)

Turkey’s Eastern Anatolia Region is the oldest known mineral mining area of Maden and Alacakaya.Chromite production in the Alacakaya field constitutes 50% of the country’s exports,and copper mines in the Maden region account for approximately 12% of the country’s copper production.There is a risk of water pollution due to significant mine waste which affects the Inci and Maden rivers.The water needs of many settlements are met from these streams,which run through these two mine sites.This study investigated the water pollution in the rivers.25 water samples were collected during the dry and rainy periods,and the Al,Cr,Cu,Fe,Li,Mn,Ni,Pb,Sr and Zn contents of these samples were examined in terms of health.Evaluation of element concentrations and creation of spatial distribution maps were performed using ArcGIS software.Spatial distribution maps,correlation and cluster analysis indicate that the source of heavy metals observed in waters is mine fields.The heavy metal content of the samples is higher in the dry period,the high concentration values are obtained from the mine sites,the decrease in the concentrations throughout the flow during the rainy period,are indicators of the effect of the mines on the water pollution.As a result of the comparison from the analysis results of water samples with World Health Organization(WHO),Environmental Protection Agency(EPA)and European Commission(EC)standards,the element values of Al,Cr,Fe,Mn,Ni and Pb exceeded the permissible values for health.The concentrations of these elements for dry period samples are:0-6.411 mg L^(-1),0.006-0.235 mg L^(-1),0-13.433 mg L^(-1),0-0.316 mg L^(-1),0-0.495 mg L^(-1),0-0.065mg L^(-1),and for rainy period samples are 0-1.698mg/L,0-0.2 mg L^(-1),0-9.033 mg L^(-1),0-0.173 mg L^(-1),0-0.373 mg L^(-1),0-0.034 mg L^(-1),respectively.Although the waters in the region are polluted by heavy metals,it has been determined that there is no noncarcinogenic hazard as a result of the calculation of the hazard index(HI<1)by ingestion and dermal contact within the scope of human health risk assessment.This study will be beneficial as it draws attention to the prevention of the negative effects of water pollution,which may cause serious health problems in the future as a result of mining activities in the region.

Numerical modeling of water yield of mine in Yangzhuang Iron Mine, Anhui Province of China

This study develops a three-dimensional heterogeneous numerical model to simulate the water inrush process and predict the water yield for mineral exploration in Yangzhuang Iron Mine in Anhui Province. To identify the hydrogeological parameters of the aquifer in the study area, the model was calibrated and validated using the observed heads through the integrated trial-and-error and automated techniques. Also, the sensitivity analysis of the model was performed to evaluate the uncertainty associated with the calibrated model. According to the mine construction plan at different mining levels of-500 m,-600 m, and-700 m, the calibrated model was then applied to predict the water yields dependent on the different mining levels. As indicated by the prediction results, the numerical simulation model can systematically describe the groundwater system in the mining area and determine the source of water inrush in this iron mine. In conclusion, numerical analyses carried out in this study can provide guidance to decision-makers in balancing the iron ore mining and mine dewatering in the future.

Effects of Coal Mining Subsided Water Area on Temperature Change in Huaibei Coal Mine

[Objective] The study aimed to discuss the effects of coal mining subsided water area on temperature change in Huaibei coal mine. [Method] Based on the data of monthly temperature from 1957 to 2007 recorded by Suixi （coal mining subsided water area） and Fuyang stations （control）, the effects of coal mining subsided water area on temperature change in Huaibei coal mine were discussed using linear trend estimation and comparative analysis methods. [Result] Spring, autumn, winter and annual average temperatures of coal mining subsided water area （Suixi） were increased in the last 51 years, and the increase of winter temperature was mostly significant with a tendency rate of 0.49 ℃/10 a. Meanwhile, annual temperature range of coal mining subsided water area was decreased from 1957 to 2007. Temperatures of Suixi in four seasons were lower than those of Fuyang from the 1960s to 1990s, and temperatures of coal mining subsided water area （Suixi） were higher than those of Fuyang in spring, autumn and winter but lower than those of Fuyang in summer from 2000 to 2007. [ Result] Coal mining subsided water area had certain effects on temperature change of Huaibei coal mine.

Spatial and Temporal Patterns of Variation in Environmental Quality of Water and Sediments of Streams in Mined and Unmined Areas with Emphasis on Mercury (Hg) and Arsenic (As)

Heavy metal pollution from both anthropogenic and natural processes can have significant effect on environmental quality of stream and river systems. However, in Ghana, heavy metal pollution of waterbodies is attributed mainly to mining activities but the role of natural mechanisms in altering stream water and sediment quality in relation to heavy metals has received little attention. Spatial and temporal variation in water quality parameters and heavy metal concentrations in water and sediments were studied comparatively in a river and two streams in a gold-rich watershed impacted by heavy mining activities. Samples were collected monthly over a twelve-month period from November 2010 to October 2011 from upstream (unmined) and downstream (mined) sections of the studied streams. Parameters measured include temperature, dissolved oxygen, conductivity, pH, turbidity, colour, mercury (Hg) and arsenic. High spatial variability of water quality parameters was found. Hg concentrations in water were extremely low in both upstream and downstream areas. Maximum geochemical background levels of Hg in unmined pristine areas were 2.45 mg/g whilst arsenic was 29.10 mg/g. By contrast, gold-mined downstream areas recorded Hg and arsenic concentrations of 8.75 mg/g and 82.53 mg/g in stream sediments respectively. Levels of Hg and arsenic in sediments were several orders of magnitude greater than concentrations in surface water in downstream sections and this may be explained by substances originating from mining activities, upstream transport or remobilized sedimented materials in the overlying water column. Our study showed that both natural and human activities may contribute to heavy metal pollution in the highly mineralized watershed of the Pra River Basin. Human factors are however likely to amplify the natural background levels of heavy metals.

Conjunctive Utilization of Water Resources at the Yulin Coal-Mine Base in China

Shortages in water resources and the fragile ecosystem by coal-mine water affect the Yulin coal-mine base in northwest China, so taking coal-mine water into account is an important issue for the sustainable management of water resources. This paper aims to explore how the Yulin coal-mine base can improve its conjunctive utilization of water resources. Integrated utilization is proposed by establishing a multi-objective, multi-water-source, optimal-allocation model;setting up an integrated information platform;and giving very useful measures and policy suggestions to the local government. Finally, this research can also serve as an example of integrated water utilization for other energy bases.

The Impact of Mine Effluents on the Water Quality and Macrophyte Plant Communities in the Kifubwa Stream, Solwezi, Zambia

A study to assess the impact of mine effluents on water quality and macrophyte plant communities in the Kifubwa stream in Solwezi, Zambia was carried out in December 2015. The macrophytes species and water samples were collected from ten (10) selected sampling sites along the river. The initial sampling site was set at the point of pollution (effluents) entrance into the river. The other 9 sampling units of 30 m × 30 m were spaced at a uniform interval of 150 m throughout the 1.5 km section of the river sampled. Macrophytes collected at each sampling site were identified on site to family level using the Zambian Macrophytes Trophic Ranking (ZMTR) protocol developed under the Southern African River Assessment (SAFRASS). The abundance of macrophyte plant communities showed that family Polygonaceae had (27.5%), Cyperaceae, (23.5%), Amaranthaceae (17.6%), Hydrocharitaceae (17.6%) and Osmundaceae (13.8%) respectively. The Shannon-Weiner’s diversity index (H) was used to calculate the macrophyte diversity and the value used in a correlation analysis with potential of hydrogen (pH) and other water quality variable under investigation. The water samples were taken to the laboratory for analysis of water variables, namely, pH, Total Dissolved Solids (TDS), nitrates, phosphates, copper and zinc levels for each site. The pH was significantly (p 0.05) related to TDS, phosphates nitrates and copper pH was not significantly (p > 0.05) related to H and zinc. Calculated means for pH and TDS showed that they were within both the Zambian Drinking Water Standards (ZDWS) and the World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines. Phosphates, nitrates and zinc were all below both water standards. Only copper levels were above both water standards. The mine effluent that is being discharged in the Kifubwa stream does have an impact on the water quality parameters, especially that of copper. This requires regular monitoring of the stream effluents by the authorities that give the permission for the discharge.

Determining the Quality of Mine Gushing and Mixed Water Using Coupled AHP and Fuzzy Comprehensive Evaluation Methods

This study focused on analysis of the chemical characteristics of mine waters. The aim of this study is to correlate the degree of different ionic components in mine water and the influence of their convergence using a combination of the three-scale AHP and fuzzy evaluation methods for the comprehensive evaluation of water quality. Ion chromatography (ICS 1100) has been used to analyze the content of the water sample while portable pH/EC/TDS/Tem- perature meters (SX 811 and SX 813) were used to test physical-chemical parameters. The results of this study show that chemistry of in No.11 gushing mine is dominated by HCO3-Na and HCO3-Ca, and had a pH between 7.1 and 8.00, belonging to neutral or slightly alkaline water. In addition, water were found to have the hardness between 18 mg/L and 542.5 mg/L. Results also show that the TDS of the roof sandstone and goaves water are higher than Cambrian limestone water, while the turbidity of the mixed water is 20 NTU in the sump, again higher than in other samples such as Cambrian limestone water. Total dissolved solids and the total hardness of Cambrian limestone groundwater mainly depend on the content of K+ + Na+, Ca2+, B={b1,b2,…,bj} and SO2-4. Thus, chemical composition changes remarkably after mine water mixing. Results showed that the coal roof sandstone water is class V while that in the sump is class III, and the Cambrian limestone groundwater is class I. In gushing, the quality of water can vary greatly;thus, water from the coal face roof sandstone and the Cambrian limestone should be stored and treated separately before being utilized.

SICOMINES铜钴矿开采阶段地下水变化规律研究

以刚果(金)SICOMINES铜钴矿为背景,通过分析矿区水文地质条件、矿区1976—2022年地下水流场演变特征和排水数据,对矿区水位变化规律进行深入研究,结果表明地下水动态变化特征是以侧向补给为主、降水为辅;排水以补给量为主、储存量为辅。地下水流动以管道流为主、渗流为辅,含水层之间联系密切,地下水渗透阻力小,坡度缓,连通性好,下部含水层排水能降低不同含水层水位。地下水系统主要由缝、洞构成,存在以空洞为汇集的地下水主径流带,矿区为构造控水。