As part of a prefeasibility study, SRK Consulting was commissioned to undertake a comprehensive hydrogeological study for Anglo American's (AA) Sakatti project in Finland. The primary focus of the water study was to characterise the local hydrogeology and to assess interactions between deep and shallow groundwater systems, as well as connection with the surface water environment, particularly in respect of an overlying mire system. This study was crucial for meeting investment criteria and informing the design of water management strategies for both surface and underground operations.
The Sakatti project is located 150km north of the Arctic Circle near the town of Sodankylä and east of the River Kitinen River. The area is characterised by very flat terrain with ground elevations ranging between 180m and 190m above sea level, and featuring aapa mires, lakes, rivers, and occasional low-lying hills.
SRK's work included compiling and reviewing historical and contemporary data, conducting hydrogeological field investigations over two 5-month winter seasons (packer tests, pumping tests, surface and downhole geophysics, standpipe and VWP installations), analysing data, refining existing hydrological models, and developing new groundwater, surface water, geochemical, and water balance models. These efforts aimed to assess potential impacts and guide the design of water management systems. Collaboration with the AA and with other disciplines, such as the geotechnical, mining, and tailings teams, was integral to this process and essential to the success of the project.
The study identified four distinct hydrogeological units: peat, multi-layered glacial and fluvio-glacial sediments, fractured bedrock, and fresh bedrock. Numerical groundwater modelling recreated the hydrogeological regime, supporting the mine design and impact assessment. The base case water management design for the mine, developed by SRK, resulted in negligible drawdown in overlying layers and manageable mine inflow rates.
Successful project outcomes included the development of a comprehensive hydrological and hydrogeological assessment, effective water management strategies, and minimisation of environmental impacts through advanced grouting and backfilling techniques. Overall, SRK's work contributed significantly to the Client’s understanding of the project’s water management requirements, offering informed design decisions to mitigate risks and support sustainable mining practices.
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