Similarities in Mine Water Management Challenges in Polar and Desert Climates: Two Case Studies

摘要

Water resources availability and management in extreme climates are usually challenging for mining projects. The present paper focuses on two extreme conditions: the desert and the polar (Tundra subtype) climates. Despite the obvious difference between these two extreme conditions, water resources availability and management for mines in both climates show some striking similarities that may seem surprising. Such similarities relate to the following aspects especially:Atmospheric precipitation patterns,Water inflows into mines,Tailings management,Water supply and groundwater quality This paper illustrates the above similarities with two case studies.