SRK Consulting (UK) Limited was commissioned by Bulyanhulu Gold Mine Ltd to assess the potential environmental impacts of the Bulyanhulu Gold Mine closure, focusing on groundwater-related risks. The study aimed to predict groundwater flow and contaminant transport during and after mine operations.
The Bulyanhulu Gold Mine, located in the Kahama District of the Shinyanga Region in Tanzania, is characterised by complex hydrogeological conditions. The mine features underground facilities, processing plants, waste rock dumps, tailings storage facilities, and various water management ponds. SRK's work involved developing a detailed groundwater model using MODFLOW USG to simulate groundwater flow and contaminant transport. This model was calibrated using historical data and validated to ensure accuracy in predicting contaminant plume travel and dilution.
SRK investigated the reflooding of underground mine facilities and the migration of contaminated water. They predicted operational mine inflows, mine inflow profiles during closure, groundwater flow rates post-closure, and contaminant plume travel from underground workings and surface facilities. SRK also assessed the groundwater flux through mine workings and the evolution of existing sulphate concentrations in groundwater.
The project concluded with successful predictions of groundwater flow and contaminant transport, providing the Client with valuable insights for closure planning and environmental impact assessment. The outcomes of SRK’s work emphasised the importance of understanding groundwater dynamics and contaminant migration to mitigate potential environmental risks associated with mine closure. The study highlighted the need for ongoing monitoring and adaptive management to ensure the protection of local water resources.
