Methods for simulating measured field responses for long-term performance of mine waste cover systems

摘要

Mine waste cover systems are typically a key component of mine closure plans. For this reason, and because cover systems generally encompass a large component of mine closure costs, it is critical that an acceptable level of risk in determining long-term cover system performance is achieved. Numerical simulations using computers are the most common tool used to evaluate the long-term water balance of mine waste cover systems. However, the accuracy of such simulations is dependent on the quality of data available to determine model inputs. The preferred method for ensuring the most representative model inputs are used is to simulate past performance of the cover using data generated from field performance monitoring, referred to as a field response model. The inputs from a model that provides a representative simulation of measured field responses can then be used as a basis for evaluating long-term mine waste cover system performance.