Application of Groundwater modeling for designing a dewatering system: Case study of the Buvač Open Cast Mine, Bosnia and Herzegovina

This paper presents groundwater management based on the results of groundwater modeling. Model used to simulate the effects of the operation of three dewatering system scenarios of the Buvac open cast mine. Several aquifers exist within the region of the Buvac limonite ore deposit, which puts ore exploitation at risk due to water ingress. Groundwater modeling was used to understand the groundwater regime within these aquifers. A previous numerical model (2007) was completed for the state of the groundwater regime prior to the opening of the open-cast mine. In the last five years, development of the open cast mine and associated activities have drastically modified the flow field. The model was modified for the altered conditions on site, and with new data from monitoring both the ground and surface water regimes. The existing system of protection of the cast mine from groundwater encompasses drainage of both the alluvial and ore body aquifers. This paper analyzes three scenarios for protecting the opencast mine from groundwater between 2013 - 2024. The new model was used to simulate the effects of operating the three proposed dewatering systems. Differences in the operating effects of the scenarios were quantified through the conditions of groundwater levels and water budget. Recommendations have also been given for performing prediction calculations in the case of the existence of drainage wells, with the most effective dewatering system determined from a hydrodynamic aspect. The results presented may be used for developing an effective dewatering system.