Tuesday, April 1, 2008 : 2:20 p.m.
Integrated Characterization of a Naturally Fractured Igneous-Metamorphic Groundwater System for Open Pit Mining Operations
The estimation of hydraulic properties of fractured igneous/metamorphic formations presents unique challenges, and high uncertainties in dewatering for open pit mining operations. Key fracture system parameters such as dip, azimuth, intensity, and aperture are dependent upon complex interactions between rock characteristics and applied stresses. Variations in stresses at both local and regional scale, combined with variations in local temperature, rock type, and geochemistry can result in the development of multiple fracture systems within a single rock unit, each with unique geometrical characteristics. The resulting hydraulic properties are often highly heterogeneous and anisotropic. Creation of an accurate representation of the fractured formation for use in predictive modeling is a challenging multi-disciplinary activity requiring state of the art techniques at all stages including field sampling, data integration, geologic modeling, hydrologic test analysis, and simulation. This presentation illustrates a practical example of such techniques applied to an open pit mining project.
Robert A. Will, Ph.D., PG, PGP, Schlumberger Water Services Dr. Will has worked as a geoscientist and engineer in petroleum exploration and water resource management since 1981. He holds a B.A. in Geology, an M.Sc. in Geophysics, and a Ph.D. in Petroleum Engineering. His experience includes geophysical operations, reservoir and aquifer characterization, and transient process modeling. Robert is active in applying oilfleld subsurface modeling and simulation technologies to water resource management problems including multi-phase and multi-component flow, mass transport, and geomechanical processes. Dr. Will is a Professional Geologist in the state of Texas and Professional Geophysicist in the state of California.