Hydrogeology of the Elang Copper

Project, Sumbawa Island, Indonesia

AUSTRALASIAN GROUNDWATER CONFERENCE 2019
BRISBANE, AUSTRALIA

24 – 27 November 2019
AGENDA

Introduction

Methodology

Study Area Characteristics

Conceptual Hydrogeological Model

Conclusions

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Introduction

• Characterise local groundwater system,

• Provide estimates of likely pit inflow and pit wall
(groundwater) pressures, and
• Define likely pit dewatering / depressurization
requirements

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Methodology

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Study Area Characteristics
L O C AT I O N

Elang Project Site

Southern part of
Sumbawa Island,
Indonesia

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Study Area Characteristics
T O P O G R A P H Y A N D C L I M AT E

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Study Area Characteristics
REGIONAL AND LOCAL GEOLOGICAL SETTING

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Conceptual Hydrogeological Model
F I E L D H Y D R O G E O L O G I C A L I N V E S T I G AT I O N S

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Conceptual Hydrogeological Model
F I E L D H Y D R O G E O L O G I C A L I N V E S T I G AT I O N S

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Conceptual Hydrogeological Model
F I E L D H Y D R O G E O L O G I C A L I N V E S T I G AT I O N S

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Conceptual Hydrogeological Model
HYDROGEOLOGICAL UNITS

• Variable lithologies:
 porphyry intrusive (orebody) rocks

 adjacent contact zones

 host volcanics (e.g. andesitic lavas and tuffs)

• Packer test results (> 90 m depth) show estimated hydraulic

conductivities not varying significantly
• Two key hydrogeological units:
 shallow, highly fractured unconfined aquifer within the uppermost 40 m of
volcanics / intrusives (“Unit 1”)

 deep, less fractured, confined or unconfined aquifer from around 40 m depth to at

least the base of pit elevation within the volcanics / intrusives (“Unit 2”)
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Conceptual Hydrogeological Model
HYDRAULIC PROPERTIES

• No significant link between lithology and fracture frequency but there is a

correlation between the degree of alteration (Alteration Index) and fracture
frequency
• Range of alteration types present, e.g. Argillic (Clay) (A) alteration has
highest Alteration Index (4-5); Pale green mica (Pgm) alteration has lowest
Alteration Index (2-3)
• Results of packer testing indicate decreasing hydraulic conductivities with
depth
• General correlation between Rock Quality Designator and hydraulic
conductivity; higher degree of fracturing in the NE pit segment
• At depths < 50 m, and using above correlation, estimated that hydraulic
conductivities are greater than 1 x 10-6 m/s
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Conceptual Hydrogeological Model
G R O U N D WAT E R F L O W PAT T E R N S A N D B O U N D A R Y C O N D I T I O N S

• Groundwater flows from

ridges (boundaries) to N, S,
E & W of pit area towards
the main river line in the
catchment centre
• Hydraulic gradients reflect
topographic gradients
• During mining, cones of
depression will extend away
from the pit and will move
groundwater boundaries
away from pit ___
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Conceptual Hydrogeological Model
G R O U N D WAT E R R E C H A R G E - D I S C H A R G E P R O C E S S

• Groundwater recharge is assumed to occur primarily by way of infiltration of

incident rainfall
• During major storms, elevated water levels in local streams / rivers will
induce download leakage to groundwater system
• Streams / river leakage is probably small proportion of the overall source of
groundwater recharge
• Groundwater discharge occurs by way of primarily by way of baseflow
discharge in local rivers / streams

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Conceptual Hydrogeological Model
C O N C E P T U A L WAT E R B A L A N C E

• Groundwater catchment is aligned

with the surface water catchment
• Results of baseflow analyses
indicate the net recharge and
rainfall run-off rates are
approximately 32% & 45% of
annual average rainfall (resp.)
• Remaining 23% of annual
average rainfall is lost to
combination (plant interception
(and evaporation), surface
evaporation & EVT)
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Conclusions
KEY POINTS

• Local conceptual hydrogeological model comprises:

 a shallow “active” groundwater system (Unit 1) that experiences high rates of
rainfall recharge and is directly connected, and feeds, local river systems,
underlain by

 a deeper, lower permeability (“less active”) groundwater system

• Units 1 & 2 have same intrusive and volcanic host rock, but are differentiated
by the degree of alteration and fracturing (much higher in in Unit 1)
• Deep, highly permeable faults are present, will provide pathways for
groundwater inflows to the pit once open pit mining progresses
• Seasonal behavior of the local rivers, land-use changes and site water
management = significant influence on groundwater conditions during mining

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 Alan Puhalovich Toddy Samuel
Principal Hydrogeologist, Hydrogeologist,
Golder Associates - Perth Golder Associates - Jakarta

Thank you for your attention!

Questions?