Minimizing impacts on streams due to underground mining by predicting surface ground movements

Z. Agioutantis, C. Newman, G. B.J. Leon, M. Karmis

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contributionpeer-review

Abstract

The prediction of surface deformations due to underground mining operations has been a long recognized practice with case studies documented as far back as 1556 in Georgius Agricola's De Re Metallica (Latin for On the Nature of Minerals). There is currently increased public awareness and regulatory scrutiny on the potential impacts of underground longwall and second mining operations, but this time the focus is placed on environmental impacts to overlaying bodies of water such as streams, rivers, wetlands, lakes, etc. (Karmis and Agioutantis, 2015). Community residents and environmental groups, as well as federal and state regulatory agencies, have often cited adverse stream impacts and demanded stronger measures and scrutiny in issuing mining and reclamation permits (Booth, 2006). Mining companies are required to focus on the protection of sensitive bodies of water through the monitoring of stream flow and water quality, management and rehabilitation techniques, as well as the adoption of "no mining zones," which potentially sterilize large portions of minable coal reserves. This paper examines the use of an empirical modeling approach for the protection of surface streams based on evaluation of ground strain magnitudes. Utilizing enhanced features of the Surface Deformation Prediction Software (SDPS), ground movements can be predicted accurately in the vicinity of surface bodies of water. The modeling of ground movements can aid in establishing optimum extraction sequences, while the magnitudes of anticipated subsidence can be used in the evaluation of mitigation plans when undermining surface bodies of water.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publication2016 SME Annual Conference and Expo
Subtitle of host publicationThe Future for Mining in a Data-Driven World
Pages558-562
Number of pages5
ISBN (Electronic)9781510825659
StatePublished - 2016
Event2016 SME Annual Conference and Expo: The Future for Mining in a Data-Driven World - Phoenix, United States
Duration: Feb 21 2016Feb 24 2016

Publication series

Name2016 SME Annual Conference and Expo: The Future for Mining in a Data-Driven World

Conference

Conference2016 SME Annual Conference and Expo: The Future for Mining in a Data-Driven World
Country/TerritoryUnited States
CityPhoenix
Period2/21/162/24/16

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Geology
  • Geochemistry and Petrology
  • Geotechnical Engineering and Engineering Geology

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