Hydrogeologic Support for the MT. Hope Mine EIS
M&A provides a range of characterization and modeling services to support an EIS for mining one of the world’s most promising molybdenum deposits.
Client: General Moly, Inc.- Time frame: 2005–2010
- Location: Eureka County, Nevada
The proposed Mt. Hope project — a primary development interest of General Moly — targets one of the largest, highest-grade, undeveloped molybdenum deposits in the world. Because the project is located on BLM land, an EIS is required to predict the regional effects of the proposed mining operations.
M&A provided hydrogeologic services to support an EIS for the site. Specifically, we characterized the fractured-rock hydrogeology of the planned pit area and developed a numerical model to project pit inflows and post-closure pit lake development. The results were later coupled with other data to project the regional impacts of the proposed mining operations.
Services
- Designed and implemented a well drilling / testing program to obtain the data needed to characterize hydrologic conditions in the fractured-rock aquifer
- Led hydraulic testing activities near the proposed mine facilities and open pit
- Established a data collection and transfer system to facilitate rapid analysis by the EIS development team
- Designed and implemented a groundwater monitoring program for the proposed mine area
- Developed a three-dimensional, groundwater flow model for the fractured rock aquifer
- Used this model to identify pit-dewatering requirements, to predict groundwater level changes during and after mining operations, to create a water balance for the post-closure pit lake, and to assess whether the future pit lake would remain a passive hydraulic sink
- Coupled this local model with a regional model (developed by a partner consultant) to project the impact of the proposed mining operations on groundwater conditions in Diamond Valley
- Prepared a comprehensive report that met the rigorous requirements of EIS approval process
- Provided technical support services during the regulatory review process
Outcome
The BLM issued a Record of Decision authorizing the development of the Mt. Hope Project in November 2012.
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