SRK Consulting was commissioned to conduct a hydrogeological assessment at the Çayeli Mine in Turkey, owned by Çayeli Bakır İşletmeleri A.Ş. The mine, situated in northeast Turkey near the Georgian border, is an underground copper-zinc operation that at the time was nearing the end of its life. SRK's study aimed to evaluate the groundwater regime at the site, particularly in relation to closure planning.
The Çayeli Mine is in a mountainous region with high levels of precipitation, contributing to significant runoff and recharge of the alluvial aquifer surrounding the Büyük Dere River. The mine's ore body consists of various sulphide minerals and is mined using longhole open stoping methods.
SRK engineers reviewed existing data and conducted meetings with mine staff to gather information about the operation. They developed a conceptual surface and groundwater model, highlighting the interaction between the alluvial aquifer and the volcanic formations hosting the ore body.
SRK concluded that groundwater inflows to the mine have historically been low, with inflows from water strikes being short-term. They recommended further studies to refine the conceptual model and develop strategies for mine closure, including monitoring groundwater rebound and assessing water quality impacts. Successful project outcomes included the identification of key hydrogeological characteristics and the development of a comprehensive model to guide closure planning.
