Hydrogeological Analysis of the Tellnes Mine, Norway

Abstract

The main purpose of this MSc thesis work is to connect hydrogeological features of the mine which can be used to develop a Hydrogeological Model of the Mine. The analyses have been mainly focusing on the three subjects; response time, pressure increase and receding time in the sensors as an effect of a major rainfall event. 3D models are built using the analyzed data from Ruden AS and SINTEF provided by Titania AS. The response, pressure increase and receding time are all connected to the impact from the rainfall events. There is especially one zone where these characteristics are more present than in the rest of the mine; in the hanging wall area associated with the boreholes TEL H 10 to TEL H 12. The particularly sensitive piezometers within this region was the sensors 11A, 11C, 12B and 12C. These sensors exhibit quick response time, greater pressure increase on average and a slow drainage represented in receding time. This is the main area for previous events and the most probable area where there might be stability challenges in the future. However, with a denser array of boreholes and sensors, the discovery of similar areas might be detected other places in the open pit mine. In combination with other models, this hydrogeological interpretation can be used as a tool for enhanced safety.