Geological Analysis and Numerical Modeling of Mine Discharges for the Sanshandao Gold Mine in Shandong, China: 1. Geological Analysis.

The Sanshandao Gold Mine is one of the largest gold mines in China, and is almost completely surrounded by seawater. Factors such as water-controlling structures and water-bearing zones that developed in the mine were studied, based on geophysical exploration data and hydrogeological investigations of the wells and drifts of the mine. The sources of recharge (seawater, brine from surface runoff, and Quaternary water) were proportionally determined based on ¹⁸O isotopic and water quality data measured for each drainage point in the pits. Appropriate boundary conditions were defined for the recharge source of the seawater and natural runoff brine. The hydraulic connections among the water-bearing zones were also considered. This work was conducted to prepare for future mine development and allowed us to simulate anticipated ground water flow. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]