Abstract:
A Bogala graphite mine is located in the Kegalle district, Sri Lanka.
Bogala mines has been experiencing a considerable water inflow during the past
many years, involving a significant cost on mine dewatering compared to other
production costs. Daily mine dewatering data shows that the average volume of
water to be pumped out from the mine is approximately 1.5 million gallons per day
and, the cost incurred for mine dewatering is approximately Rs. 1.3 million a month.
This research focuses on identifying the interconnection between the leakage points
in two levels, with major water seepage takes place above 72 fathom levels and
significant intrusion is at 52 fathoms level. Environmental isotope analysis were
carried out in underground seepage locations to identify the exact locations where
water recharging takes place inside the mine. Water samples were collected from
leakage locations. They were analysed to measure the Oxygen-18 and Deuterium
contents. The local meteoric water line was drawn with the help of rain water
samples. The Oxygen-18 and Deuterium content was plotted in a graph in various
suspected combinations. The clustered locations were analysed in a graph and tried
to identify the interconnection between leakage points in two levels. Some possible
interconnections were identified between 52 and 72 fathom levels.
Citation:
Ahmed, A.I., Norbertsan, J.R., Sabry, M.I.M., Sandaruwan, M.W.M.S., Morayas, M.M.S.T., Dharmaratne, P.G.R., & Hemalal, P.V.A. (2014). Underground mine cost control through proper mine drainage - Bogala mines. In P.V.A. Hemalal (Ed.), Proceedings of the 8th National Conference on Earth Resources Management (pp. 6-11). Department of Earth Resources Engineering, University of Moratuwa.
