KLM Consulting Services

We offer a full range of services related to groundwater resource assessment and tailings management, from mine dewatering design to environmental management and reporting. These include:

Mine Dewatering Design

Mine dewatering is an essential component of safe and efficient mining operations, for both surface and underground mines where excessive groundwater inflow can compromise underground access, pit stability, operational efficiency, and safety. Managing groundwater inflows helps prevent underground risk, hazardous slope failures, minimizes operational disruptions, and ensures compliance with environmental and regulatory standards.

For over three decades, KLM Consulting Services has been a leader in mine dewatering design and hydrogeological consulting across Southern Africa, providing tailored solutions for major mining houses. We design, implement, and manage dewatering and depressurisation strategies that reduce risk, enhance mine productivity and safety while minimizing environmental impact and optimising water usage.

Key Considerations in Mine Dewatering

All mines excavated below the natural groundwater table require a customized dewatering strategy. The scale and complexity of dewatering depend on multiple factors, including:

Hydrogeological characteristics – The permeability, porosity, and hydraulic conductivity of the rock mass influence groundwater inflows.
Excavation depth – The deeper the mine, the higher the groundwater pressure and inflow volume.
Slope stability – The material strength of pit walls and underground structures affects dewatering needs and depressurisation strategies.

To maintain pit-floor workability and high-wall stability, it is essential to plan and start dewatering before mining begins. Pre-mining dewatering allows for accurate water level assessments, provides critical background data, and ensures that groundwater pressures are effectively managed throughout the mining lifecycle. KLMCS work with planning and scheduling to ensure targets are set for water levels around and within the mine to prevent unnecessary pumping.

Our Mine Dewatering Design Expertise

KLM Consulting Services delivers comprehensive dewatering solutions, covering everything from initial hydrogeological assessments to long-term groundwater management.

1. Hydrogeological Investigations and Structural Mapping

Structural mapping and inflow plotting to identify potential water-bearing structures.
Geotechnical and hydrogeological characterisation of the mining area.
Testing the hydraulic properties of rocks, including permeability and transmissivity assessments.
Baseline water level studies to determine pre-mining conditions and predict future inflows.

2. Dewatering System Design and Modelling

Numerical modelling of water inflow and dewatering schemes to predict groundwater behavior and design optimal dewatering strategies.
Pore pressure reduction planning to lower groundwater levels in pit slopes and prevent failures. Linked to mine planning software.
Optimisation of mining method, layout of drainage galleries and drain holes for effective groundwater control in underground mines.
Design of dewatering and supply boreholes to optimise water removal and resource recovery.
Modelling of post-mining pit chemistry to assess long-term water quality impacts after closure.

3. Dewatering Infrastructure Implementation

Installation of monitoring networks to track groundwater levels and inflows in real time.
Supervision of borehole drilling, test pumping, and drain hole installation to ensure design compliance and performance.
Development of pumping strategies to maintain the water table below the mine sump.
Design and operation of groundwater monitoring and remediation systems to manage water quality and mitigate contamination risks.

4. Mine Closure and Post-Mining Water Management

Mine-waste impact assessments to evaluate the long-term effects of dewatering on surrounding water systems.
Closure planning for dewatering systems and water level recovery, ensuring compliance with environmental regulations.
Numerical modelling of long-term groundwater recovery and pit lake formation.
Implementation of artificial recharge and water reuse strategies to minimize long-term environmental impact.

Why Choose KLM Consulting Services for Mine Dewatering?

KLM Consulting Services combines decades of experience, innovation, cutting-edge numerical modelling, and in-depth hydrogeological expertise to design mine dewatering solutions that are:
✅ Cost-effective – Reducing water management costs while ensuring optimal mine operation.
✅ Regulatory compliant – Meeting local and international standards for water management.
✅ Sustainable – Minimizing environmental impact and optimising water resource use.
✅ Technically advanced – Utilizing state-of-the-art modelling tools and real-time monitoring for precise groundwater control.

With our expertise in mine dewatering design, depressurisation, and groundwater control, we help mining operations achieve higher efficiency, better safety, and long-term water sustainability.

Groundwater Resource Development and Management

Groundwater is a critical water supply source in Southern Africa, contributing between 50% and 85% of the domestic water supply in rural areas. With declining rainfall and increasing water demand from growing populations, agriculture, and industries, the pressure on groundwater resources is intensifying. Sustainable groundwater management is essential to ensure long-term water security for communities, businesses, and ecosystems.

KLM Consulting Services has played a key role in groundwater resource development across Southern Africa for over thirty-five years. We have successfully identified, developed, and managed large-scale wellfields producing between 6 million m³ and 12 million m³ per year. Our extensive experience enables us to optimise groundwater abstraction while ensuring sustainability, regulatory compliance, and cost-effectiveness for our clients.

Our Expertise in Groundwater Development

Our groundwater services cover the entire lifecycle of water resource development, from initial exploration to long-term management.

1. Groundwater Exploration and Resource Assessment

Hydrocensus and desktop studies to assess existing groundwater resources and usage.
Remote sensing and geophysical methods to identify high-yielding aquifers.
Down-hole geophysical logging to evaluate subsurface conditions and aquifer characteristics.
Groundwater exploration drilling to confirm aquifer potential and ensure sustainable yield.

2. Borehole Design, Drilling, and Testing

Preparation of Terms of Reference (TOR) for drilling and aquifer testing programs.
Supervision of borehole drilling to ensure compliance with design and regulatory standards.
Design and implementation of aquifer pumping tests to assess groundwater potential and sustainability.
Analysis of aquifer test data using industry-leading software to determine sustainable yield.
Borehole construction and completion supervision to optimise long-term performance and efficiency.

3. Groundwater Quality and Contaminant Assessment

Groundwater sampling following internationally recognized protocols.
Comprehensive water quality testing for drinking water, agricultural, and industrial use.
Pollution risk assessment and mitigation strategies for groundwater protection.
Numerical modelling of groundwater flow and contaminant transport to predict potential risks.

4. Wellfield and Aquifer Management

Design, exploration, installation, monitoring and managing major wellfields to optimise performance and sustainability.
Aquifer monitoring strategies using real-time data collection systems.
Artificial recharge programs to enhance groundwater availability and long-term resilience.
Licensing and regulatory compliance with government authorities and stock exchange requirements.

5. Economic and Strategic Groundwater Planning

Development of long-term water management strategies for municipalities, industries, and mines.
Bankable Feasibility Studies (BFS) and investment-grade groundwater assessments.
Cost-reduction strategies for businesses through optimised water sourcing and usage.

Why Choose KLM Consulting Services?

With decades of experience, KLM Consulting Services has developed innovative and cost-effective groundwater solutions tailored to the unique challenges of Southern Africa. We combine cutting-edge hydrogeological techniques, regulatory expertise, and sustainability principles to help clients secure reliable groundwater resources for the future.

Let us help you ensure that groundwater remains a dependable and well-managed resource for generations to come.s

Tailings Dam Monitoring.

Ensuring Safety, Stability, and Compliance

Tailings storage facilities (TSFs) are critical components of mining operations, but without proper monitoring, they pose significant environmental and safety risks. At KLM Consulting Services, we provide comprehensive Tailings Dam Monitoring solutions to help you maintain structural integrity, ensure regulatory compliance, and prevent catastrophic failures.

Our Tailings Dam Monitoring Services Include:

✅ Real-Time Monitoring & Data Acquisition

Continuous tracking of water levels, pore pressures, and seepage rates
Deployment of automated sensors for real-time data collection
Integration with GIS and remote sensing for enhanced visualization

✅ Instrumentation & On-Site Assessments

Installation and maintenance of piezometers, inclinometers, and settlement markers
Regular site inspections and geotechnical assessments
Dewatering and seepage control recommendations

✅ Numerical Modelling & Risk Analysis

Advanced stability modelling to assess potential failure modes
Predictive dam breach simulations and impact assessments
Customized mitigation strategies to address site-specific risks

✅ Regulatory Compliance & Emergency Preparedness

Development of emergency response plans (ERPs)
Assistance with compliance reporting to ensure adherence to global and local regulations
Stakeholder training and crisis management planning

Why Choose KLM Consulting Services?

✔ Over 35 years of expertise in groundwater and geotechnical monitoring
✔ Cutting-edge technology for accurate, real-time data insights
✔ Tailored solutions that align with your operational needs and regulatory requirements

🔹 Protect Your Operation. Safeguard the Environment. 🔹

📞 Contact us today to discuss your tailings dam monitoring needs.

Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) and Environmental Management Reports (EMPRs).

Environmental sustainability is a critical factor in project planning and execution, especially in industries such as mining, infrastructure development, and manufacturing. Government regulations, lenders, and stock exchange requirements impose strict environmental liability on past, present, and future land users. Integration with 43-101 and JORC reporting.

Before initiating any project, an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) is essential to evaluate potential environmental risks, regulatory compliance, and necessary mitigation measures. The assessment process ensures that projects minimize environmental harm, protect natural resources, and align with global best practices in sustainability and environmental stewardship.

Understanding Groundwater Contamination Risks

Groundwater resources are vulnerable to contamination from multiple sources, including:

Urban waste and industrial effluent – Heavy metals, hydrocarbons, and chemicals leaching from waste disposal sites.
Diffuse pollution sources – Agricultural runoff, fertilisers, and pesticides entering aquifers.
Mining tailings and industrial spills – Acid mine drainage (AMD), leachate seepage, and dissolved heavy metals.

Preventing and controlling groundwater contamination requires proactive monitoring, containment strategies, and site-specific remediation plans.

KLM Consulting Services’ Expertise in Environmental Assessments & Management

With decades of experience in hydrogeology and environmental management, KLM Consulting Services provides comprehensive solutions for:

1. Contaminant Investigation and Monitoring

Soil and groundwater sampling to detect contaminants, including volatile organic compounds (VOCs) such as chlorinated hydrocarbons.
Geophysical surveys to identify preferential groundwater flow paths and track pollution plumes.
Installation of groundwater monitoring networks to provide real-time contamination tracking and early warning detection.
Satellite and aerial photo interpretation to locate seepage and subsurface flow from waste disposal sites and mining operations.

2. Environmental Risk and Regulatory Compliance

Tier 1 and Tier 2 site assessments following the Risk-Based Corrective Action (RBCA) approach to evaluate contamination risks.
Health-based risk assessment in compliance with US EPA protocols to determine human and ecological exposure risks.
Review and development of Environmental Impact Assessments (EIA) and Environmental Management Program Reports (EMPRs) to support project approval and compliance.
Expert testimony and legal support in environmental liability cases, regulatory hearings, and dispute resolution.

3. Contaminant Transport Modelling and Remediation Planning

Modelling contaminant migration, including hydrocarbons and chlorinated hydrocarbons, to predict future contamination risks and mitigation needs.
Development of numerical and conceptual models to simulate groundwater flow and solute transport.
Groundwater cleanup simulation and risk-based remediation planning to ensure cost-effective contaminant removal.
Solute transport and flow path modelling to assess the long-term impact of contaminants and predict aquifer recovery scenarios.
Mine-waste impact assessment and closure planning to ensure sustainable post-mining land use.

Groundwater Modelling: A Critical Tool for Environmental Management

Groundwater models are essential tools in predicting water movement, contaminant dispersion, and long-term aquifer response to remediation efforts. The modelling process involves:

Data Collection & Processing
- Analysis of pump testing results, hydrogeological conditions, and geochemical data.
- Generation of cross-sections, contour maps, and geostatistical evaluations.
- Identifying groundwater drawdown patterns and contaminant dispersion trends.
Numerical Simulation & Predictive Modelling
- Aquifer simulation for reducing cost of mine dewatering, determining drawdown impacts, wellfield design, and dewatering requirements.
- Contaminant transport modelling using advanced software to forecast pollutant spread and decay rates.
- Risk analysis and cost-benefit evaluation of remediation strategies.
Software Utilization
KLM Consulting Services applies state-of-the-art numerical modelling tools, including:

MODFLOW, FEFLOW, MINEDW (through HCItasca) – For simulating groundwater flow and wellfield performance.
PHREEQC, BIOCHLOR, SEQUENCE – For geochemical modelling of contaminant fate and transport.
RBCA – For risk-based corrective action assessments.

Why Choose KLM Consulting Services for EIAs & EMPRs?

✅ Proven Expertise – Over 35 years of experience in hydrogeology, mine dewatering design, environmental impact assessment, and regulatory compliance.
✅ Cutting-Edge Modelling & Analysis – Advanced contaminant transport simulation and risk-based remediation design.
✅ Regulatory Compliance – Full compliance with government, lender, and stock exchange environmental standards.
✅ Cost-Effective Risk Management – Solutions that balance environmental responsibility with economic feasibility.
✅ Comprehensive Reporting & Legal Support – High-quality technical reports, expert witness services, and regulatory guidance.

By leveraging scientific expertise, advanced modelling, and real-world experience, KLM Consulting Services ensures that projects comply with environmental laws, minimize risk, and contribute to sustainable development.

Remediation design and groundwater contaminant mitigation

Groundwater contamination is a major environmental challenge, requiring cost-effective, scientifically proven, and site-specific remediation strategies. Successful remediation requires a multi-disciplinary approach, combining hydrogeology, environmental chemistry, and engineering solutions to restore contaminated sites and protect water resources.

At KLM Consulting Services (KLMCS), we specialize in evaluating, designing, and implementing groundwater remediation systems that not only mitigate contamination but also provide long-term sustainability. Our solutions help clients comply with regulatory frameworks, reduce environmental liability, and optimise operational costs.

Innovative & Cost-Effective Remediation Strategies

KLMCS is at the forefront of researching and developing advanced remediation technologies, ensuring that our clients receive innovative, cost-effective, and environmentally responsible solutions. We focus on:
✅ Site-specific risk assessment to determine the most effective remedial approach.
✅ Combining natural and engineered solutions for sustainable groundwater restoration.
✅ Integrating remediation with groundwater management strategies to prevent recontamination.
✅ Minimizing operational costs while ensuring regulatory compliance.

Our Expertise in Groundwater Contamination Remediation

We provide customized solutions for various contamination scenarios, including hydrocarbons, heavy metals, chlorinated solvents, and industrial pollutants. Our expertise includes:

1. Conventional & Emerging Remediation Techniques

Excavation and disposal – Traditional method for removing contaminated soil and groundwater.
Monitored Natural Attenuation (MNA) – Utilizing natural biological, chemical, and physical processes to degrade contaminants over time.
Enhanced Biodegradation & Bioremediation
- In-situ bioremediation – Injecting oxygen, nutrients, or microbial cultures to enhance degradation of organic contaminants directly within the aquifer.
- Ex-situ bioremediation – Removing contaminated water/soil for above-ground treatment before reinjection or safe disposal.
Pump & Treat Systems – Extracting contaminated groundwater for treatment and re-injection or safe discharge.
Hydrodynamic Control Systems (Gradient Reversals) – Reversing groundwater flow to contain and isolate contaminants, preventing further migration.
Scavenger & Recycling Systems – Extracting contaminants for recovery and reuse (e.g., solvent recovery, metal extraction).

2. Cutting-Edge Remediation Technologies & Implementation

Through our network of qualified contractors and environmental engineers, we implement advanced remediation systems, including:

Soil Remediation Systems – Chemical oxidation, soil washing, and stabilization techniques to neutralize contaminants.
Air Sparging – Injecting air beneath contaminated zones to promote volatilization and microbial degradation of contaminants.
Soil Vapour Extraction (SVE) – Removing volatile organic compounds (VOCs) by applying vacuum systems to extract vapours from the subsurface.
Subsurface & Surface Geotechnical Structures – Installing barriers, permeable reactive walls (PRBs), and engineered containment systems.
Water Treatment & Disposal Systems – Advanced filtration, reverse osmosis, and adsorption techniques for removal of dissolved contaminants.
Underground Storage Tank (UST) Removal – Safe excavation and disposal of leaking storage tanks and associated contaminated soil.

The KLMCS Advantage in Remediation Design

✅ Decades of Expertise – Over 30 years of experience in hydrogeology and environmental remediation.
✅ Regulatory Compliance – Full adherence to local, national, and international environmental laws and stock exchange requirements.
✅ Cost-Effective Solutions – Minimizing costs without compromising efficiency or regulatory compliance.
✅ Data-Driven Decision Making – Using numerical modelling and risk assessments to optimise remediation strategies.
✅ Sustainable Remediation – Integrating natural attenuation and engineered solutions for long-term site recovery.

By leveraging advanced modelling, field expertise, and innovative remediation technologies, KLMCS delivers successful and sustainable groundwater remediation solutions.uss

Professional Training Courses

At KLM Consulting Services (KLMCS), we recognize the critical role that groundwater management, mine dewatering, and environmental sustainability play in successful mining operations. Our annual training courses are designed to equip industry professionals with the technical expertise and practical skills needed to address groundwater challenges in mining and environmental projects.

We have tailor made courses in Groundwater exploration, wellfield management, mine dewatering design, structural geology modelling and tailings monitoring.

Who Should Attend?

Our training courses are designed for:
✅ Mine Managers & Engineers – Responsible for groundwater control, mine dewatering, and operational efficiency.
✅ Geologists & Hydrogeologists – Involved in groundwater assessment, modelling, and contamination risk analysis.
✅ Environmental Professionals – Managing groundwater sustainability, pollution control, and regulatory compliance.
✅ Consultants & Project Managers – Overseeing groundwater-related projects in the mining and infrastructure sectors.

What You Will Learn

Participants gain hands-on knowledge and practical problem-solving skills in key areas, including:

1. Groundwater Fundamentals & Hydrogeology

Understanding groundwater occurrence and movement in mining environments.
Groundwater flow dynamics, recharge, and aquifer interactions.
Introduction to geotechnical and hydrogeological data interpretation.

2. Mine Dewatering & Groundwater Control

Overview of mine dewatering techniques, including wellpoint systems, drainage galleries, and pit dewatering.
Predicting and managing groundwater inflows in surface and underground mines.
Optimising dewatering efficiency while minimizing environmental impact.
Numerical modelling and simulation of groundwater inflows and depressurization strategies.

3. Groundwater Pollution & Environmental Considerations

Identifying and mitigating potential sources of groundwater pollution in mining.
Understanding the impact of acid mine drainage (AMD), heavy metals, and industrial pollutants.
Water quality assessment and remediation strategies.
Compliance with environmental regulations and industry best practices.

4. Project Management & Decision-Making in Groundwater Management

Planning and executing groundwater management projects efficiently.
Risk assessment and mitigation strategies for groundwater control.
Using GIS and hydrogeological modelling for informed decision-making.
Reducing costs and optimising water usage in mining and industrial settings.

📢 Training courses are available both in-person and online, with tailored options for corporate teams and on-site training.

Geographical Information Systems (GIS) Services

At KLM Consulting Services, we offer cutting-edge GIS solutions that support spatial data analysis, mapping, and decision-making for groundwater, mining, and environmental applications. With expertise in GIS programming, data management, and geospatial analysis, we provide customized GIS solutions that enhance efficiency and improve project outcomes.

Our GIS Expertise Includes:

1. GIS Programming & Custom Solutions

GIS programming, solutions design, and implementation tailored to your project needs.
Web-based GIS programming and configuration for real-time geospatial data access.
GIS hosting and virtualized GIS server setup to improve data accessibility and security.
Spatial database setup, programming, and maintenance for efficient data management.

2. Spatial Data Analysis & Geoprocessing

Advanced spatial analysis for groundwater modelling, mine dewatering, and environmental impact assessments.
Gap analysis to identify missing or outdated spatial data.
Spatial data maintenance and data migration for streamlined GIS integration.
Cartography and customized mapping for professional, high-quality visual representation.

3. GIS & GPS Surveying for Groundwater & Mining Applications

Differential GPS (DGPS) surveys for high-accuracy spatial data collection.
Rapid point survey data collection to support hydrogeological and environmental studies.
Utilities mapping to identify infrastructure assets and optimise resource planning.
GIS support, implemented systems documentation, and training to enhance operational efficiency.

🔍 Whether you need GIS solutions for mine dewatering, groundwater monitoring, environmental management, or infrastructure planning, KLMCS provides tailored services to meet your needs.

Why Choose KLMCS for Training & GIS Services?

✅ Industry Expertise – Over 30 years of experience in hydrogeology, mine water management, and GIS solutions.
✅ Hands-On Learning & Practical Insights – Real-world case studies, interactive sessions, and expert instruction.
✅ Customized GIS & Training Solutions – Designed to meet the specific needs of your business and industry.
✅ Advanced Technology & Analytical Tools – Utilizing industry-leading GIS and hydrogeological software.

💡 Let KLMCS help you master groundwater management and GIS solutions for smarter, more efficient operations.

📞 Contact us today to enrol in a course or explore our GIS solutions!

KLMCS has been contracted to work on mines dealing in coal, base metals, gold, kimberlite, platinum, uranium and industrial minerals.

Our Clients include:

AB Global Mining
Akanani Mining
Alrosa
Amplats Ltd
Anglo American Corporation of South Africa
Anglogold Free State
Anglogold Vaal River Operations
Anglogold West Wits Mines
Anglovaal Ltd
Aviva Corporation, Australia
Aurecon
Barplats Ltd
BHP Billiton Ltd. (MAC)
Boteti Mining Company and Lundin Group (AK6, Karowe)
Botswana Department of Water Affairs
Bunker Hill Mining
Catoca
CIC Energy
Davra
De Beers Consolidated Mines (Finsch, Premier/Cullinan, Kimberley mines, Koignaas, The Oaks, Williamson and Venetia)
Debswana mines (Orapa, Jwaneng, Damtshaa and Letlhakane)
Diamondfields
Discovery Metals Ltd, Australia
Equinox Minerals Limited Australia
Gautrain Bombela Consortium
Gem Diamonds
Gibb (Arcus Gibb)
Glencore
Goldfields Ltd
Harmony
Hatch
Highland Mining Corporation Limited
Impala Platinum Ltd
Industrial Development Corporation of South Africa
Ingwe Ltd
International Mining Consultants (World Bank) JCI projects
Ivanhoe
Kamoto Mines
Lumwana Mining Corporation
Malawi Department of Water Irrigation and Development
Minergy
Minesa
Mining Plus
Mocambique Department of Water (DNA)
Murray and Roberts
Namzinc
National Union of Mineworkers
Noventa Pty Ltd
Oppenheimer & Sons
Paradigm Project Management
Parsons Brinckerhof ( PB Power)
Price Forbes Control Risk Management (Lloyds of London)
RARECO
Rio Tinto Ltd
Rossing Uranium
SLR
Snowden Consulting
South African Department of Environmental water
Southern Era Resources (Klipspringer) Toronto
SRK Consulting Services
Sulzer Pumps
Teal Mining Pty Ltd
UNESCO (Ramsar Convention)
Vedanta Resources PLC
The University of the Witwatersrand