Preface

The hydrogeological setting of a mineral resource development project is often a central component in mine planning, safe mine operations and sound environmental stewardship. Mining occurs in a wide range of geologic and topographic settings, across a full range of climatic conditions. The objective of this book is to illustrate many of the considerations involved and methodologies applied when assessing the impacts of groundwater on mine operations, on mine water supply, on mineral waste management and in closure of a mine site following resource depletion. In most countries, strict regulation is in place that recognizes the need for management controls to minimize impacts on groundwater systems. This book discusses the principles of hydrogeology that need to be considered to achieve those goals.