Water Management for Mines
Content
Water Management for Mines
Technology and Solutions
Corporate Overview
Together we can secure the
world’s groundwater resources
Schlumberger Water Services
Today, Schlumberger Water Services is
leveraging technologies developed for the
oilfield to further water resource management.
Using proven subsurface reservoir evaluation
techniques, our dedicated team of engineers,
geophysicists, hydrogeologists, and technical
specialists provide comprehensive
assessments of aquifer systems—including the
viability for meeting future water demands.
Schlumberger
Schlumberger is the world’s leading supplier
of technology and services to support the
reservoir life cycle, from exploration to
production enhancement. Founded in 1927,
today the company employs over 64,000
people worldwide.
Schlumberger Water Services provides clients
with the decision-making framework for
addressing short-term and long-term water
challenges. Under even the most challenging
conditions, our solutions minimize uncertainty
and reduce risk.
Since its inception, Schlumberger has been
inventing and deploying technologies to
characterize subsurface environments and
assess, quantify, and access valuable deep
energy resources. Our high-resolution logging,
surface seismic imaging, geologic modeling,
simulation programs, and data management
technologies transform critical information into
knowledge for improved decision making.
Schlumberger has focused on leveraging
assets to deliver solutions that improve
customer performance, maximize productivity,
and minimize risk for more than 80 years.
Optimizing water
supplies through
technology and
industry
expertise
Integrated Solutions
Schlumberger Water Services provides
solutions designed to meet business needs.
Our strength in integrating optimal field
technologies with data management and
modeling tools helps us to support our clients
through the entire life of their projects.
Our integrated projects include:
• Groundwater resources management
• Aquifer storage and recovery (ASR)
• Coastal zone groundwater control
• Water solutions for mines
• Environmental site solutions
• Groundwater monitoring networks
HydroWorkFlow*
HydroWorkFlow, Schlumberger Water
Services' project workflow, brings information,
people and processes together to facilitate
managing the groundwater lifecycle from
exploration to operation deployment and
sustainable utilization.
Site assessment
Collection, assessment and analysis of
historical and current site data
HydroWorkFlow
Groundwater - a priceless resource
Groundwater is essential for life; it provides
drinking water for human consumption,
sustains ecosystems, irrigates drought-stricken
farms, and supports modern industry. However,
global population growth and urban expansion
are placing greater and greater demand on
groundwater resources and amplifying the
need for sustainable groundwater resource
management and planning.
GIS and environmental data management
Data integration, mapping of spatial and
temporal trends
Aquifer characterization
Geophysical logging and interpretations,
hydraulic testing and analysis
Groundwater monitoring
Network design, multilevel well systems,
instrumentation, data acquisition
Geologic modeling
Conceptual geologic and hydrogeologic
modeling, uncertainty analysis
Analysis and simulation
Groundwater flow and transport modeling,
geochemical analysis, enhanced visualization
Systems integration and decision support
Integrated data reporting, surveillance,
diagnostics and communication
Schlumberger Water Services specializes in
assessing, developing and managing groundwater
resources using the most powerful and costeffective technologies available today
Water Management for Mines
Our innovative technologies
minimize uncertainty
Too Much Water? Too Little Water?
Water is an integral part of any mine operation.
It cools drilling equipment, separates ore from
rock, and transports slurry and waste material.
However, whether operating an open pit or
underground mine, excessive or moderate water
supplies can adversely affect the mining process
or impact the environment. Meeting ore
production targets requires mitigating impacts
and implementing comprehensive water
management practices.
Schlumberger Water Services is at the forefront
of integrated water management for mines. We
possess both the knowledge and experience in
subsurface characterization, hydrogeologic
modeling, groundwater monitoring and
information management necessary to isolate
water sources and estimate the quantity of both
surface water and groundwater. Schlumberger
technologies are optimally designed to help you
improve efficiencies throughout the life-of-mine.
HydroManager* information
management systems offer centralized
access to water management data
The Schlumberger Water Services team of
engineers, geochemists, geophysicists, and
hydrogeologists are qualified to apply advanced
technologies for your unique requirements.
Each technology is industry-tested to meet the
rigorous demands of any mine operation.
Our integrated solutions for mines include:
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Subsurface characterization
Integrated water planning
Water supply quantification
Dewatering system design
Environmental site solutions
Acid mine drainage
Contaminant fate and migration
Tailing dam evaluation
Geochemical evolution assessment
Reactive transport simulation
We will work with you to develop engineered
solutions to manage water, helping you to
maximize ore extraction and processing.
Diver* groundwater dataloggers offer
long-term monitoring of water levels,
temperature, and conductivity
• Collect, compile, and analyze hydrogeologic
data to characterize your mine site
• Develop an understanding of the subsurface
flow regime in relation to your mining
operations
• Develop groundwater models to assess
possible safety issues
• Optimize dewatering well networks
• Install long-term monitoring wells to
measure water levels and water quality
• Complete geochemical modeling to address
water quality issues
• Provide real-time data access, telemetry and
operations control
• Estimate the impacts from mine tailings
• Manage all water data and compliance
reporting
Trust the experts at Schlumberger Water
Services to lead your project and provide
accurate results throughout the life of your
mining operation.
AquaChem* for aqueous
geochemical analysis of water
quality during life-of-mine
Surface water/groundwater
interactions used to assess
potential off-site impacts
Westbay System* for monitoring pore
pressure at multiple depths to support
slope stability
Reda* submersible or horizontal
pumps offer maximum pumping
for dewatering or water supply
Eclipse*, Visual MODFLOW*,
transport simulator estimates
flow and mass transport
Our multidisciplinary team can assist you to:
HydroGeo Analyst*, Petrel*
for developing geologic and
hydrogeologic conceptual models
Westbay System* for reliable,
discrete, long-term sampling of
water quality parameters
AquiferTest* for estimating the
hydraulic properties of aquifers
and aquitards
Our integrated water solutions support all stages of a mining operation
Our Mining Services
Integrated Water Solutions
Water affects virtually all stages of the life-of-mine. The most efficient
and cost-effective mine operation works from a comprehensive water
management plan that accounts for all possible water uses and includes
mitigation measures to proactively limit risks.
Schlumberger Water Services develops fully-integrated water solutions
that address every aspect of your water management needs: from expert
consulting services; to equipment deployment; to data collection, storage
and analysis; to final decision-making. We apply proven technology and
expert experience to each phase of your mining project.
Our field services include high-resolution geophysical logging, multilevel
well completions, and the deployment of monitoring instrumentation to
characterize the hydraulic properties of the groundwater regime.
Automated, field-scale data acquisition systems, combined with our
customizable information management systems, provide our teams with
accurate, real-time data for optimizing dewatering systems, developing
water distribution plans and preparing short-term and long-term water
management strategies.
Service Highlights:
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Aquifer characterization and advanced geophysical methods
Monitoring network design and data acquisition systems
Customizable data acquisition, analysis and management systems
Planning and installation of pumping and monitoring well systems
GIS, mapping and evaluation of water quality
Water supply and demand forecasting
Unsaturated/saturated flow and transport modeling
Evaluation of surface water and groundwater interactions
Design of underground recharge and storage systems
Long-term monitoring and compliance reporting
Merging water management strategies with
technology and engineering for mining projects
Water Supply
Mining projects require a comprehensive assessment of available water
sources and a complete evaluation of short-term and long-term water
needs. Insufficient water supplies limit the production capacity of the mine
and impact production and revenue targets. Surface water sources, while
readily accessible, are often unpredictable and dependent on climatic
conditions. Groundwater sources, while more difficult to access, can
provide a consistent and predictable supply of water. In some cases,
neither source is reliable throughout the year, resulting in the need for
engineered systems such as Aquifer Storage and Recovery (ASR).
Leading-edge geophysical instrumentation, hydraulic pumping tests, and
advanced modeling programs offer a highly accurate account of the
natural or artificial water budgets, helping to minimize uncertainty and
reduce risks. Continuous monitoring of water supplies address the
dynamic needs of the mining operation to achieve mine production
objectives. Our team of professionals are experienced at assessing and
developing a complete water supply plan, and deploying the optimal
technologies for the project.
Service Highlights:
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Site characterization and assessment
Geographic and resource mapping (satellite imagery and GIS)
Surface water assessment and mapping
Comprehensive data acquisition
Aquifer testing and numerical interpretation of pumping tests
Geophysical and hydrogeological characterization
Water quality characterization and mapping
ASR feasibility assessment and implementation
Well field development and installation of monitoring systems
Water budget development
Permit application support
Predictive modeling
Optimizing your
water supply to
support operational
needs
Water management and acid mine drainage
Multilevel monitoring well completion
Groundwater recharge assessment
Mine Dewatering
Long-term sustainability of the mine requires continuous management of
water, including removing water for dry-foot conditions. Excavating
mineral deposits increases the chances of groundwater ponding at ground
surface or seeping into underground tunnels. Though important for mine
processing, excessive water can create undesirable site conditions,
impeding ore production or causing unsafe working environments.
Our team works directly with the mine geologist to develop dewatering
systems that evolve with the life-of-mine. Each system is designed to
remove the appropriate amount of water by accurately characterizing the
groundwater flow regime and producing site-specific water budgets.
Deployment of high-lift pumps optimized to run under even the most
challenging conditions minimize the influx of water into the mine.
Schlumberger Water Services excels at developing comprehensive water
management strategies that minimize the impact of water on mine
operations.
Service Highlights:
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Hydrogeological characterization
Assessing hydraulic properties of the aquifer
Well field planning and design
Monitoring well installation and deployment of instrumentation
Data acquisition, analysis and management
Predictive modeling to optimize mine dewatering systems
Dewatering system design and operation
Waste water impoundment and re-use planning
Mine tailings seepage interception and control
Long-term monitoring and compliance reporting
Dewatering systems
engineered to
accelerate your mine
site operations
Excess water and operational challenges
Optimizing mine dewater systems
Modeling drawdown from dewatering well
Environmental Solutions
Waste products derived from extracting and processing minerals are
primary factors that can impact the environment. Surface water and
groundwater containing residual chemicals and oxidized minerals pose the
most risk to the environment and human health. Acidic waters impede
plant growth, impact aquatic organisms and inhibit use for drinking or
irrigation. Government permitting and regulations require strict adherence
to environmental policy throughout the lifecycle of any mine site.
Schlumberger Water Services works directly with mining companies to
meet regulatory reporting requirements and mitigate environmental issues.
Our long-term groundwater monitoring systems continuously collect data
to record water levels and water quality throughout the life-of-mine. Field
data is analyzed, managed and reported according to regulatory
specifications through a comprehensive information management system.
Potential off-site impacts are identified, investigated, and evaluated using
sophisticated three dimensional groundwater flow and transport models
and rigorous aqueous geochemical analysis.
Service Highlights:
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Site characterization
Environmental impact assessment
Monitoring network design and installation
Source characterization and water quality mapping
Reactive transport and flow modeling
Geochemical evolution assessment
Optimization of remediation systems
Acid rock drainage and metals leaching
Mine tailings discharge control and mitigation
Long-term monitoring and compliance reporting
Integrated solutions
designed to minimize
impacts to health
and environment
Pyrite oxidation and water quality issues
Human impacts from mine operations
Mitigation of acid rock drainage
Advanced Modeling
Analysis and Management
Field Monitoring
Site Characterization
Our Technologies
Schlumberger Water Services offers a full suite of sophisticated geophysical well
logging technologies, data acquisition instrumentation, and geologic modeling
software designed to characterize subsurface environments.
• Magnetic resonance identifies pore size distribution, hydraulic conductivity,
capillary pressure
• Epithermal neutron porosity estimates water-filled porosity
• Bulk density and photoelectric effect defines total porosity, lithology
• Well flow logging provides continuous measurements of upwards/downward
flow velocity/rate
• Spectral natural gamma ray logs bulk matrix geochemistry and mineralogy
• Borehole electrical imaging highlights fracture orientation and aperture
• Geologic modeling provides a comprehensive view of the subsurface environment
Fully integrated monitoring packages combine high-quality field instrumentation with
sophisticated data transfer and data management technologies. Our field personnel
are qualified to characterize, assess, and deploy optimal groundwater monitoring
technologies for your site.
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Multilevel well systems monitor any number of zones in a single borehole
Measure pressure under shut-in conditions
Sample fluids without repeated purging
Conduct a variety of hydraulic tests
Frequent long-term measuring of conductivity, temperature, and depth
Robust compact design to accommodate small diameter wells
Ceramic housing offers corrosion-resistance in most environments1
Real-time, wireless data transfer to centralized information management systems
Field data, analytical data and spatial data are all critical components of a successful
groundwater management strategy. Schlumberger Water Services can help you to
integrate, analyze and report on these many data types.
• QA/QC functionality ensures data is accurate and within acceptable ranges
• GIS capabilities provide the spatial and temporal distribution of virtually any
field parameter
• Cross-section interpretations of geologic and hydrogeologic data validates
conceptual models
• Advanced borehole logs highlight geologic features critical to subsurface
characterization
• Reports present project data to meet compliance guidelines and client needs
Advanced modeling programs address geologically complex site conditions that extend
beyond traditional flow and transport modeling. Our programs provide the highest
degree of accuracy necessary to minimize uncertainty.
• Hydrogeologic conceptual models are developed directly within the data
management system to support input for various numeric models
• Model input incorporates multi-phase flow, density-dependent flow, air flow,
discrete fractures, surface water and groundwater interactions
• Aqueous geochemical analysis and modeling predict changes to water quality
• Model results are optimized and calibrated to site conditions
• Finite element, finite difference, and finite volume gridding capabilities provide the
numerical power to address any modeling project
• Three dimensional visualization tools reveal spatial and temporal trends
Site Characterization Technology
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
CMR* (Combinable Magnetic Resonance)
CNL* (Compensated Neutron Log)
FMI* (Fullbore Formation MicroImager)
MRX* (Magnetic Resonance Expert)
MSCT* (Mechanical Sidewall Coring Tool)
PETREL*
RST* (Reservoir Saturation Tool)
UBI* (Ultrasonic Borehole Imagery)
WFL* (Water Flow Log)
Field Monitoring Technology
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Baro-Diver*
Cera-Diver*
CTD-Diver*1
HydroGeo Analyst*
HydroGeo Analyst Enterprise*
HydroManager*
Micro-Diver*
Mini-Diver*
Westbay System*
Data Analysis Technology
•
•
•
•
•
•
AquaChem*
AquiferTest*
HydroGeo Analyst
HydroGeo Analyst Enterprise
HydroManager
Visual HELP*
Simulation Technology
•
•
•
•
•
AquaChem (PHREEQC)
ECLIPSE*
PETREL
Visual MODFLOW*
UnSat Suite Plus*
Merging advanced technologies with innovative solutions
www.water.slb.com
June 2006
©Schlumberger *Mark of Schlumberger
Technology and Solutions
Corporate Overview
Together we can secure the
world’s groundwater resources
Schlumberger Water Services
Today, Schlumberger Water Services is
leveraging technologies developed for the
oilfield to further water resource management.
Using proven subsurface reservoir evaluation
techniques, our dedicated team of engineers,
geophysicists, hydrogeologists, and technical
specialists provide comprehensive
assessments of aquifer systems—including the
viability for meeting future water demands.
Schlumberger
Schlumberger is the world’s leading supplier
of technology and services to support the
reservoir life cycle, from exploration to
production enhancement. Founded in 1927,
today the company employs over 64,000
people worldwide.
Schlumberger Water Services provides clients
with the decision-making framework for
addressing short-term and long-term water
challenges. Under even the most challenging
conditions, our solutions minimize uncertainty
and reduce risk.
Since its inception, Schlumberger has been
inventing and deploying technologies to
characterize subsurface environments and
assess, quantify, and access valuable deep
energy resources. Our high-resolution logging,
surface seismic imaging, geologic modeling,
simulation programs, and data management
technologies transform critical information into
knowledge for improved decision making.
Schlumberger has focused on leveraging
assets to deliver solutions that improve
customer performance, maximize productivity,
and minimize risk for more than 80 years.
Optimizing water
supplies through
technology and
industry
expertise
Integrated Solutions
Schlumberger Water Services provides
solutions designed to meet business needs.
Our strength in integrating optimal field
technologies with data management and
modeling tools helps us to support our clients
through the entire life of their projects.
Our integrated projects include:
• Groundwater resources management
• Aquifer storage and recovery (ASR)
• Coastal zone groundwater control
• Water solutions for mines
• Environmental site solutions
• Groundwater monitoring networks
HydroWorkFlow*
HydroWorkFlow, Schlumberger Water
Services' project workflow, brings information,
people and processes together to facilitate
managing the groundwater lifecycle from
exploration to operation deployment and
sustainable utilization.
Site assessment
Collection, assessment and analysis of
historical and current site data
HydroWorkFlow
Groundwater - a priceless resource
Groundwater is essential for life; it provides
drinking water for human consumption,
sustains ecosystems, irrigates drought-stricken
farms, and supports modern industry. However,
global population growth and urban expansion
are placing greater and greater demand on
groundwater resources and amplifying the
need for sustainable groundwater resource
management and planning.
GIS and environmental data management
Data integration, mapping of spatial and
temporal trends
Aquifer characterization
Geophysical logging and interpretations,
hydraulic testing and analysis
Groundwater monitoring
Network design, multilevel well systems,
instrumentation, data acquisition
Geologic modeling
Conceptual geologic and hydrogeologic
modeling, uncertainty analysis
Analysis and simulation
Groundwater flow and transport modeling,
geochemical analysis, enhanced visualization
Systems integration and decision support
Integrated data reporting, surveillance,
diagnostics and communication
Schlumberger Water Services specializes in
assessing, developing and managing groundwater
resources using the most powerful and costeffective technologies available today
Water Management for Mines
Our innovative technologies
minimize uncertainty
Too Much Water? Too Little Water?
Water is an integral part of any mine operation.
It cools drilling equipment, separates ore from
rock, and transports slurry and waste material.
However, whether operating an open pit or
underground mine, excessive or moderate water
supplies can adversely affect the mining process
or impact the environment. Meeting ore
production targets requires mitigating impacts
and implementing comprehensive water
management practices.
Schlumberger Water Services is at the forefront
of integrated water management for mines. We
possess both the knowledge and experience in
subsurface characterization, hydrogeologic
modeling, groundwater monitoring and
information management necessary to isolate
water sources and estimate the quantity of both
surface water and groundwater. Schlumberger
technologies are optimally designed to help you
improve efficiencies throughout the life-of-mine.
HydroManager* information
management systems offer centralized
access to water management data
The Schlumberger Water Services team of
engineers, geochemists, geophysicists, and
hydrogeologists are qualified to apply advanced
technologies for your unique requirements.
Each technology is industry-tested to meet the
rigorous demands of any mine operation.
Our integrated solutions for mines include:
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Subsurface characterization
Integrated water planning
Water supply quantification
Dewatering system design
Environmental site solutions
Acid mine drainage
Contaminant fate and migration
Tailing dam evaluation
Geochemical evolution assessment
Reactive transport simulation
We will work with you to develop engineered
solutions to manage water, helping you to
maximize ore extraction and processing.
Diver* groundwater dataloggers offer
long-term monitoring of water levels,
temperature, and conductivity
• Collect, compile, and analyze hydrogeologic
data to characterize your mine site
• Develop an understanding of the subsurface
flow regime in relation to your mining
operations
• Develop groundwater models to assess
possible safety issues
• Optimize dewatering well networks
• Install long-term monitoring wells to
measure water levels and water quality
• Complete geochemical modeling to address
water quality issues
• Provide real-time data access, telemetry and
operations control
• Estimate the impacts from mine tailings
• Manage all water data and compliance
reporting
Trust the experts at Schlumberger Water
Services to lead your project and provide
accurate results throughout the life of your
mining operation.
AquaChem* for aqueous
geochemical analysis of water
quality during life-of-mine
Surface water/groundwater
interactions used to assess
potential off-site impacts
Westbay System* for monitoring pore
pressure at multiple depths to support
slope stability
Reda* submersible or horizontal
pumps offer maximum pumping
for dewatering or water supply
Eclipse*, Visual MODFLOW*,
transport simulator estimates
flow and mass transport
Our multidisciplinary team can assist you to:
HydroGeo Analyst*, Petrel*
for developing geologic and
hydrogeologic conceptual models
Westbay System* for reliable,
discrete, long-term sampling of
water quality parameters
AquiferTest* for estimating the
hydraulic properties of aquifers
and aquitards
Our integrated water solutions support all stages of a mining operation
Our Mining Services
Integrated Water Solutions
Water affects virtually all stages of the life-of-mine. The most efficient
and cost-effective mine operation works from a comprehensive water
management plan that accounts for all possible water uses and includes
mitigation measures to proactively limit risks.
Schlumberger Water Services develops fully-integrated water solutions
that address every aspect of your water management needs: from expert
consulting services; to equipment deployment; to data collection, storage
and analysis; to final decision-making. We apply proven technology and
expert experience to each phase of your mining project.
Our field services include high-resolution geophysical logging, multilevel
well completions, and the deployment of monitoring instrumentation to
characterize the hydraulic properties of the groundwater regime.
Automated, field-scale data acquisition systems, combined with our
customizable information management systems, provide our teams with
accurate, real-time data for optimizing dewatering systems, developing
water distribution plans and preparing short-term and long-term water
management strategies.
Service Highlights:
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Aquifer characterization and advanced geophysical methods
Monitoring network design and data acquisition systems
Customizable data acquisition, analysis and management systems
Planning and installation of pumping and monitoring well systems
GIS, mapping and evaluation of water quality
Water supply and demand forecasting
Unsaturated/saturated flow and transport modeling
Evaluation of surface water and groundwater interactions
Design of underground recharge and storage systems
Long-term monitoring and compliance reporting
Merging water management strategies with
technology and engineering for mining projects
Water Supply
Mining projects require a comprehensive assessment of available water
sources and a complete evaluation of short-term and long-term water
needs. Insufficient water supplies limit the production capacity of the mine
and impact production and revenue targets. Surface water sources, while
readily accessible, are often unpredictable and dependent on climatic
conditions. Groundwater sources, while more difficult to access, can
provide a consistent and predictable supply of water. In some cases,
neither source is reliable throughout the year, resulting in the need for
engineered systems such as Aquifer Storage and Recovery (ASR).
Leading-edge geophysical instrumentation, hydraulic pumping tests, and
advanced modeling programs offer a highly accurate account of the
natural or artificial water budgets, helping to minimize uncertainty and
reduce risks. Continuous monitoring of water supplies address the
dynamic needs of the mining operation to achieve mine production
objectives. Our team of professionals are experienced at assessing and
developing a complete water supply plan, and deploying the optimal
technologies for the project.
Service Highlights:
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Site characterization and assessment
Geographic and resource mapping (satellite imagery and GIS)
Surface water assessment and mapping
Comprehensive data acquisition
Aquifer testing and numerical interpretation of pumping tests
Geophysical and hydrogeological characterization
Water quality characterization and mapping
ASR feasibility assessment and implementation
Well field development and installation of monitoring systems
Water budget development
Permit application support
Predictive modeling
Optimizing your
water supply to
support operational
needs
Water management and acid mine drainage
Multilevel monitoring well completion
Groundwater recharge assessment
Mine Dewatering
Long-term sustainability of the mine requires continuous management of
water, including removing water for dry-foot conditions. Excavating
mineral deposits increases the chances of groundwater ponding at ground
surface or seeping into underground tunnels. Though important for mine
processing, excessive water can create undesirable site conditions,
impeding ore production or causing unsafe working environments.
Our team works directly with the mine geologist to develop dewatering
systems that evolve with the life-of-mine. Each system is designed to
remove the appropriate amount of water by accurately characterizing the
groundwater flow regime and producing site-specific water budgets.
Deployment of high-lift pumps optimized to run under even the most
challenging conditions minimize the influx of water into the mine.
Schlumberger Water Services excels at developing comprehensive water
management strategies that minimize the impact of water on mine
operations.
Service Highlights:
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Hydrogeological characterization
Assessing hydraulic properties of the aquifer
Well field planning and design
Monitoring well installation and deployment of instrumentation
Data acquisition, analysis and management
Predictive modeling to optimize mine dewatering systems
Dewatering system design and operation
Waste water impoundment and re-use planning
Mine tailings seepage interception and control
Long-term monitoring and compliance reporting
Dewatering systems
engineered to
accelerate your mine
site operations
Excess water and operational challenges
Optimizing mine dewater systems
Modeling drawdown from dewatering well
Environmental Solutions
Waste products derived from extracting and processing minerals are
primary factors that can impact the environment. Surface water and
groundwater containing residual chemicals and oxidized minerals pose the
most risk to the environment and human health. Acidic waters impede
plant growth, impact aquatic organisms and inhibit use for drinking or
irrigation. Government permitting and regulations require strict adherence
to environmental policy throughout the lifecycle of any mine site.
Schlumberger Water Services works directly with mining companies to
meet regulatory reporting requirements and mitigate environmental issues.
Our long-term groundwater monitoring systems continuously collect data
to record water levels and water quality throughout the life-of-mine. Field
data is analyzed, managed and reported according to regulatory
specifications through a comprehensive information management system.
Potential off-site impacts are identified, investigated, and evaluated using
sophisticated three dimensional groundwater flow and transport models
and rigorous aqueous geochemical analysis.
Service Highlights:
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Site characterization
Environmental impact assessment
Monitoring network design and installation
Source characterization and water quality mapping
Reactive transport and flow modeling
Geochemical evolution assessment
Optimization of remediation systems
Acid rock drainage and metals leaching
Mine tailings discharge control and mitigation
Long-term monitoring and compliance reporting
Integrated solutions
designed to minimize
impacts to health
and environment
Pyrite oxidation and water quality issues
Human impacts from mine operations
Mitigation of acid rock drainage
Advanced Modeling
Analysis and Management
Field Monitoring
Site Characterization
Our Technologies
Schlumberger Water Services offers a full suite of sophisticated geophysical well
logging technologies, data acquisition instrumentation, and geologic modeling
software designed to characterize subsurface environments.
• Magnetic resonance identifies pore size distribution, hydraulic conductivity,
capillary pressure
• Epithermal neutron porosity estimates water-filled porosity
• Bulk density and photoelectric effect defines total porosity, lithology
• Well flow logging provides continuous measurements of upwards/downward
flow velocity/rate
• Spectral natural gamma ray logs bulk matrix geochemistry and mineralogy
• Borehole electrical imaging highlights fracture orientation and aperture
• Geologic modeling provides a comprehensive view of the subsurface environment
Fully integrated monitoring packages combine high-quality field instrumentation with
sophisticated data transfer and data management technologies. Our field personnel
are qualified to characterize, assess, and deploy optimal groundwater monitoring
technologies for your site.
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Multilevel well systems monitor any number of zones in a single borehole
Measure pressure under shut-in conditions
Sample fluids without repeated purging
Conduct a variety of hydraulic tests
Frequent long-term measuring of conductivity, temperature, and depth
Robust compact design to accommodate small diameter wells
Ceramic housing offers corrosion-resistance in most environments1
Real-time, wireless data transfer to centralized information management systems
Field data, analytical data and spatial data are all critical components of a successful
groundwater management strategy. Schlumberger Water Services can help you to
integrate, analyze and report on these many data types.
• QA/QC functionality ensures data is accurate and within acceptable ranges
• GIS capabilities provide the spatial and temporal distribution of virtually any
field parameter
• Cross-section interpretations of geologic and hydrogeologic data validates
conceptual models
• Advanced borehole logs highlight geologic features critical to subsurface
characterization
• Reports present project data to meet compliance guidelines and client needs
Advanced modeling programs address geologically complex site conditions that extend
beyond traditional flow and transport modeling. Our programs provide the highest
degree of accuracy necessary to minimize uncertainty.
• Hydrogeologic conceptual models are developed directly within the data
management system to support input for various numeric models
• Model input incorporates multi-phase flow, density-dependent flow, air flow,
discrete fractures, surface water and groundwater interactions
• Aqueous geochemical analysis and modeling predict changes to water quality
• Model results are optimized and calibrated to site conditions
• Finite element, finite difference, and finite volume gridding capabilities provide the
numerical power to address any modeling project
• Three dimensional visualization tools reveal spatial and temporal trends
Site Characterization Technology
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CMR* (Combinable Magnetic Resonance)
CNL* (Compensated Neutron Log)
FMI* (Fullbore Formation MicroImager)
MRX* (Magnetic Resonance Expert)
MSCT* (Mechanical Sidewall Coring Tool)
PETREL*
RST* (Reservoir Saturation Tool)
UBI* (Ultrasonic Borehole Imagery)
WFL* (Water Flow Log)
Field Monitoring Technology
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Baro-Diver*
Cera-Diver*
CTD-Diver*1
HydroGeo Analyst*
HydroGeo Analyst Enterprise*
HydroManager*
Micro-Diver*
Mini-Diver*
Westbay System*
Data Analysis Technology
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AquaChem*
AquiferTest*
HydroGeo Analyst
HydroGeo Analyst Enterprise
HydroManager
Visual HELP*
Simulation Technology
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AquaChem (PHREEQC)
ECLIPSE*
PETREL
Visual MODFLOW*
UnSat Suite Plus*
Merging advanced technologies with innovative solutions
www.water.slb.com
June 2006
©Schlumberger *Mark of Schlumberger
