- A normal requirement for many open pit mines is dewatering to remove water inflow as the mine depth extends downward below the water table.
- Various wells would be located around the open pit perimeter to remove water and to preclude inflows from adjacent areas.
- Pressure and thermal monitoring boreholes would be used to ensure the fluid removal process was proceeding safely.
- Where co-located with shallow hydrothermal reservoirs that might be over 200°C, there would be hot, pressurised fluids that as the overburden is removed the reservoir might become somewhat depressurised enough to result in a steam cap. The steam would have to be removed to depressurise the systems.
- In geothermal areas, some non-reservoir water (e.g., seawater) may be required to be injected to “cool” pit walls to facilitate safe mine operations.
