Prediction of area of influence created by mine groundwater pumping: A case study from India

Abstract

Neyveli lignite field in southern India, is the major source of supply of lignite in India. Mining of lignite from the Neyveli lignite field involves pumping of groundwater from the water-bearing formations. The area of influence created by pumping depends upon the volume of groundwater pumped. The paper discusses the development of a empirical relationship between the total volume of groundwater pumped and area of influence. This paper also explores the possibility of applying this relationship to predict the area of influence for future mine planning and dewatering operations.