The Comprehensive Realistic Yearly Pit Transient Infilling Code (CRYPTIC): A Novel Pit Lake Analytical Solution

Assessment of Open Pit Dewatering Requirements and Pit Lake Formation for the Kışladağ Gold Mine, Uşak, Turkey

“…Pit lake filling was simulated using the LAK2 package (Council, 1997) and MODFLOW-SURFACT (HydroGeologic 1999). CRYPTIC is observed to be in excellent agreement with the numerical model in estimating the correct pit level and transient inflow rates (Fontaine et al, 2003).…”

“…As also stated by Marinelli and Niccoli (2000), numerical modeling may be required at advanced stages of mine planning, while simple analytical equations for estimating pit inflow rates can be informative during the initial stages of mine development. Fontaine et al (2003) provides a brief but substantial summary on the applicability of numerical and analytical methods: Numerical modeling is commonly used to estimate the time of recovery and groundwater inflows, which by necessity requires extensive hydraulic data, time, and resources that are usually unavailable at the preliminary stages of mine planning. As an alternative, analytical methods, which are easily applicable and reliable, can be used as tools to provide preliminary estimates for mine feasibility studies and to determine potential environmental impacts.…”

“…Marinelli and Niccoli (2000) mentioned that this method assumes steady state flow conditions, which is reasonable for moderate to high permeability materials and mine pits that are excavated over a period of years. Fontaine et al (2003) also states that the solution recommended by Marinelli and Niccoli (2000) cannot be used to estimate transient inflows during pit lake recovery, and/or require that the final pit lake elevation be known a priori. In contrast, the Jacob-Lohman equation (Jacob and Lohman, 1952) can be used to estimate the time required to fill the pit lake and estimate transient inflow rates without a priori knowledge of the final pit lake level.…”

“…These are reasonable assumptions for many open-pit mines because vertical conductivity is typically much lower than horizontal. Moreover, Hanna et al (1994) demonstrated that the Jacob-Lohman equation could be used for estimates of groundwater inflow for pit dewatering, and modified the equation to account for partial penetration of the pit and for possible effects of vertical flow (Fontaine et al, 2003).…”

“…A recent analytical model is the CRYPTIC (Comprehensive Realistic Yearly Pit Transient Infilling Code) suggested by Fontaine et al (2003). This model is based on the Jacob-Lohman equation; however, it is modified to include the pit geometry and effects of precipitation and evaporation from the pit lake surface, as well as the input/output of external flows.…”