Determining sources of mine water based on hydraulic characteristics analysis of a fault system

To analyze mining hydrogeological conditions and determine the sources of mine water, a hydrothermal deposit of China is taken as an example in this paper. On the basis of detailed geological and hydrogeological analysis of conditions in the mining area, the hydrogeological characteristics of a fault system of F₁ in this mine are determined using a pumping test method and isotope technology. Hydraulic connections between the Majiagou group and Xiaoxian group are given a detailed illustration. The results show that the F₁ group of faults is channeling water. Under significant drawdown, fissure water and Lower Pleistocene porous confined water are indirect sources of mine water, but water supply in unit time is limited. According to the analysis results, water will enter the pit during mining at a rate of 12,680 m³/d. In contrast, if the transmission performance of the F₁ group of faults is ignored, the porous confined water will not enter the pit, and the mine water inflow will be 9700 m³/d. This is a decrease of 2980 m³/d, accounting for 30.72 % of mine water inflow. Therefore, the effect of water sources on mine water inflow cannot be ignored.