Impact of groundwater on mining at Finsch Diamond Mine (1994)

Abstract
The paper evaluates the relationship between mining and ground water at De Beers Consolidated Mines Finsch Mine situated in a semi-arid region of the north western Cape in the Republic of South Africa.
A detailed groundwater investigation was commissioned in May 1992 aimed at evaluating the groundwater regime and to define the possible scale of groundwater occurrence with the downward extension of the mine.
The assimilation of data available prior to the investigation coupled with remote sensing and field techniques, led to an understanding of the groundwater flow and compartmentalisation.
Preliminary results from the investigation indicated that the mine is actively recharged from rainfall events in both the immediate vicinity of the mine and distant karst systems. This led to the development of a recharge simulation model to predict the ground water levels response to rainfall and to determine the water balance for the aquifer for the life of mine.
The understanding derived from the study was of crucial importance in improving the effective management of groundwater and its recognition as an exploitable resource. This led to a number of cost saving strategies.

Silverton, T.R. & Morton, K.L. (1994) ‘Impact of groundwater on mining at Finsch Diamond Mine’, 5th International Mine Water Congress, Nottingham, 1994.