Gympie Gold Mine Dewatering

Gillespie, Rohan

doi:10.1007/bf02919578

Cited by 1 publication

(1 citation statement)

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“…However, occasionally hot fluids are generated in dewatering systems which may allow electricity generation; this is especially likely to occur in tectonically active regions. Williamson and Vogwill (2001) report that the Lihir gold mine in New Guinea had to manage water at temperatures of 90–100°C and Popielak et al (2013) describe groundwater at 70–160°C in the Cerro Blanco underground mine in Guatemala.…”

Section: Principles Of Low-enthalpy Geothermal Systemsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Can you take the heat? – Geothermal energy in mining

Preene

Younger

2014

Mining Technology

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In 2013 there are less than 20 documented examples of operational geothermal systems on mine sites worldwide. This is surprising, since on remote mine sites, where fuels may have to be shipped in over great distances, heating and cooling from low-enthalpy geothermal sources may have a significant advantage in operational cost over conventional energy sources.A review of factors affecting the feasibility of geothermal systems on mining projects has been undertaken, and has identified the possible configurations of geothermal systems suitable for the exploration, operational and closure phases of mine development. The geothermal opportunities associated with abandoned or legacy mines are also discussed. The potential categories of heat reservoirs associated with mine sites are: natural ground; backfilled workings; mine waste, dewatering pumping; and flooded workings/pit lakes.The potentially lower operational costs for heating and cooling must be offset against the capital cost of a geothermal system. The focus for mine operators should therefore be on identifying at feasibility stage those projects where conditions are favourable for geothermal systems, where the potential risks are understood, and where the economics are likely to be beneficial, where geothermal systems can be established while minimising additional capital costs. KEYWORDS Energy, Geothermal, Minewater INTRODUCTIONThe use of geothermal technologies to extract heat energy from the sub-surface environment, to provide heating and cooling or to generate electricity, is well established outside of the mining industry, yet to date it has seen relatively little uptake within the sector. As it relies on the same blend of geological and engineering skills which mining demands, this omission is rather puzzling, and begs the question whether it represents a considered rejection or merely oversight. In appropriate geological settings, with the correct engineering, geothermal energy can be an economic source of low carbon energy, able to displace traditional fossil fuelbased energy sources, either for use within a mine, for supply to living quarters or working areas on mine sites or for sale to third parties. This paper examines the proposition that the mining industry is ripe for a significant expansion of geothermal energy use.

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Section: Principles Of Low-enthalpy Geothermal Systemsmentioning

confidence: 99%