Constraining regional-scale groundwater transport predictions with multiple geophysical techniques

Li, Chris; Doble, Rebecca; Hatch, Michael; Heinson, Graham; Kay, Ben

doi:10.1016/j.ejrh.2021.100841

Cited by 4 publications

(3 citation statements)

References 35 publications

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“…Initially, solute transport simulations relied on the use of single-domain models (see green lines in Figure ). However, given that some discrepancies between simulated and observed data could not be reconciled, the dual-domain mass transfer (DDMT) approach was invoked, which conceptually represents the role of physical heterogeneity, a feature that is expected to play a role for many ISR operations, albeit at a different spatial scale, due to the often fractured attributes of Cu deposits, , which occur even in sediment-hosted deposits like Kapunda . The DMMT approach considered mass transfer between the mobile (e.g., coarse-grained) and (finer-textured) immobile domains of the columns, while also allowing accounting for potential differences in the mineral assemblages between mobile and immobile domains.…”

Section: Resultsmentioning

confidence: 99%

In Situ Recovery of Copper: Identifying Mineralogical Controls via Model-Based Analysis of Multistage Column Leach Experiments

et al. 2023

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In situ recovery (ISR) has for several decades been considered an alternative mining method. It can substantially reduce the scarring of landscapes and eliminate tailings, dams, and waste rock while potentially minimizing energy consumption and carbon emissions. However, ISR applications beyond those for uranium have been limited. One key factor that limits the widespread application of the ISR approach is that many metals are largely hosted by orebodies with low hydraulic conductivity and/or a more pronounced hydrogeological and mineralogical heterogeneity. In those cases, the viability of ISR relies on a thorough understanding of the coupled transport and geochemical reaction processes and, more specifically, which subset of processes and parameters controls metal recovery. Laboratory experiments represent an essential first step toward developing this knowledge. Here, we describe a series of column experiments in which copper ore was leached during multistage experiments. Constrained by the collected data, we developed a reactive transport model and applied it to identify the main controls for copper recovery in the studied setup. The experiments showed copper recoveries above 60%, with a strong mineralogical control exerted by the composition of the copper mineral assemblage and a dependency of the copper recovery rates on the supplied lixiviant, i.e., the specific combination of acid and oxidant concentrations. The developed modeling framework was capable of accurately reproducing those observations and will provide a sound basis for optimizing copper recovery and establishing the reagent consumption.

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Section: Resultsmentioning

confidence: 99%

In Situ Recovery of Copper: Identifying Mineralogical Controls via Model-Based Analysis of Multistage Column Leach Experiments

et al. 2023

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“…There are still many new opportunities for novel data acquisition to observe and model groundwater trends and responses to climate change and extraction. These include gravimetric and surface deformation analyses with high spatial and temporal coverage (Castellazzi and Schmid 2021), new geophysical methods for estimating groundwater recharge and changes in quality (Li et al 2020(Li et al , 2021 and expansion of soil-moisture sensing data and telemetry (Cooper et al 2021;Soylu and Bras 2021;Tangdamrongsub et al 2020). Integrated groundwater modelling can predict relative data worth and optimal location and frequency for the most valuable data observations.…”

Section: Potential Changes In Climatementioning

confidence: 99%

An overview of groundwater response to a changing climate in the Murray-Darling Basin, Australia: potential implications for the basin system and opportunities for management

Doble,

Walker,

Crosbie

et al. 2023

Hydrogeol J

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The Murray-Darling Basin (MDB) is a highly allocated and regulated, mostly semiarid basin in south-eastern Australia, where groundwater is a significant water resource. Future climate predictions for the MDB include an expansion of arid and semiarid climate zones to replace temperate areas. The impacts of climate change are already evident in declining groundwater levels and changes in the connection status between rivers and groundwater, and modelling has predicted a further reduction in future groundwater recharge and ongoing declines in groundwater levels. This is predicted to further reduce river baseflow and negatively impact groundwater-dependent ecosystems (GDEs), and these system responses to a changing climate and extreme events are complex and not always well understood. This report provides an overview of the current state of knowledge of groundwater response to a changing climate for the MDB, and outlines challenges and opportunities for future groundwater research and management. Opportunities for the region include improving data systems and acquisition through automation and novel data sources, and growing capability in integrated, risk-based modelling. Quantification of the groundwater/surface-water connection response to declining groundwater levels, and assessing GDE water requirements and thresholds, would enable identification of vulnerable systems and inform the development of metrics for adaptive management, improving the ability to respond to climate extremes. There is potential to adapt policy to support active management of groundwater where required, including conjunctive use and water banking. Improving knowledge sharing and water literacy, including understanding community values of groundwater and GDEs, would support future decision-making.

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“…Combining multiple approaches allowed Costabel et al (2017) and McClymont et al (2011) to investigate the extent and depth of three freshwater lenses on North Sea islands and groundwater flow paths within proglacial moraine, respectively (McClymont et al 2011;Costabel et al 2017). Li et al (2021) coupled TEM, nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), and audio-frequency magnetotellurics (AMT) with stochastic groundwater modeling to predict the hydrological impact of a copper in situ recovery operation in the Kapunda region of South Australia (Li et al 2021).…”

Section: Accurately Assessing Water Levels Using Multiple Geophysical...mentioning

confidence: 99%

Using geophysical data to assess groundwater levels and the accuracy of a regional numerical flow model

2023

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The use of geophysical data to accurately determine water levels is demonstrated for an aquifer within the Saint-Narcisse moraine in the Mauricie region of southeastern Québec, Canada. Two numerical simulations were conducted using FEFLOW, one based on regional piezometric data and the other using geophysical data; the data were acquired through transient electromagnetic (TEM), electrical resistivity (ERT), and ground-penetrating radar (GPR) surveys. The threedimensional geological and groundwater flow model was based on data from 94 boreholes, 5 stratigraphic cross-sections, and 20 TEM, 6 ERT (~1.44 km) and 4 GPR (~0.97 km) surveys. Both numerical analyses confirmed the simulated water levels, and the root mean square errors obtained from the piezometric data and the multiple geophysical techniques were similar at 3.81 m and 2.76 m, respectively. Through a discrete modeling approach, this study shows that groundwater levels estimated using geophysical tools and methods and those determined by direct observation are comparable. The outcome illustrates how geophysical data can complement direct observations to provide additional hydraulic information to hydrologic modellers. Geophysical surveys provide an extensive set of soft data that can be leveraged to improve groundwater flow models and determine groundwater levels, particularly in areas characterized by limited direct piezometric information.

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Constraining regional-scale groundwater transport predictions with multiple geophysical techniques

Cited by 4 publications

References 35 publications

In Situ Recovery of Copper: Identifying Mineralogical Controls via Model-Based Analysis of Multistage Column Leach Experiments

In Situ Recovery of Copper: Identifying Mineralogical Controls via Model-Based Analysis of Multistage Column Leach Experiments

An overview of groundwater response to a changing climate in the Murray-Darling Basin, Australia: potential implications for the basin system and opportunities for management

Using geophysical data to assess groundwater levels and the accuracy of a regional numerical flow model

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