Numerical simulation for groundwater under draining condition in complex karst mining area: An example from the Makeng iron mine in Fujian province

Because of the discontinuity and the special aeolotropism of karst water-bearing media, it’s difficult to generalize the aquifers and predict the water yields in complex karst mining area for a long time. As a case study, the generalizability of karst water-bearing media under draining conditions in Makeng mining area is researched in the paper.The 3-D numerical simulation model is established for the research, and then, the model is identified and verified in light of the water table regime and water discharge. Moreover, the water yields of mine at +100 m level and 0 m level is predicted. The predictions show that the stable water yield at +100 m level in normal year is 36900 m3/d, the stable water yield at0 m level in normal year is 38250 m3/ d. Visibly, there is still great pressure on dewatering in the mining area, various measures should be taken as soon as possible to reduce groundwater table to ensure mining safety.