Aquifer Vulnerability Mapping in Karstic Terrain
Antamina Mine, Peru

Minimizing off-site migration of mine waste seepage in karstic alpine terrain poses a unique set of challenges. Karstic hydrogeological watersheds are often very different than topographic (hydrologic) watersheds and groundwater flow in karst aquifers is typically more rapid than in fracture rock or granular aquifers. Drilling, piezometer installations and water level monitoring often do not adequately characterize the flow regimes of karst aquifers. The following paper presents the results of a detailed hydrogeological investigation performed at the Antamina mine site in Peru, where detailed mapping followed by tracer studies proved to be the most cost-effective methods for characterizing the karst aquifer system. The results were used to optimize waste rock management at the site to minimize potential impacts on groundwater resources. ...more.