Assessment and Management of Water Resources for a Lignite Mine

A water resource management study was carried out for the proposed exploitation of lignite in Gujarat, India. The main source of water in the region is monsoon rainfall, which averages 567 mm/yr. The mine will be excavated in benches below groundwater level. Depth of water from the surface varies from 2–5 m. Total groundwater available within the leasehold area is 485 m³/day and water demand for mining purposes will be around 120.5 m³/day (25% of the available groundwater). During the monsoon season, an estimated pumping capacity of 236 L/s should taken care of groundwater seepage and rainwater when the maximum excavated area exists. After rehabilitation and backfilling, a water body will be created in the mined out pit, which will act as a water reservoir and enhance groundwater recharge. The mine should not significantly affect the region's water resources as long as the recommendations outlined in this paper are adopted.