Simulating inflows to open pits is a critical task in mining hydrogeology, as it enables the estimation of drainage rates, the design of dewatering systems, and the assessment of the impact of extractive operations on the surrounding environment. Using a Voronoi mesh improves the geometric accuracy of the pit representation and allows for optimization of computational resources.
This applied case presents a step-by-step methodology to simulate groundwater inflow into an open pit using MODFLOW 6—the groundwater flow modeling engine developed by the USGS—in combination with mv6Voronoi, a tool that generates Voronoi meshes.
Instructor
Saul Montoya M.Sc
Hydrogeologist - Numerical Modeler
Mr. Montoya is a Civil Engineer graduated from the Catholic University in Lima with postgraduate studies in Management and Engineering of Water Resources (WAREM Program) from Stuttgart University – Germany with mention in Groundwater Engineering and Hydroinformatics. Mr Montoya has a strong analytical capacity for the interpretation, conceptualization and modeling of the surface and underground water cycle and their interaction. He is in charge of numerical modeling for contaminant transport and remediation systems of contaminated sites. Inside his hydrological and hydrogeological investigations Mr. Montoya has developed an holistic comprehension of the water cycle, understanding and quantifying the main hydrological dynamic process of precipitation, runoff, evaporation and recharge to the groundwater system.
Event date
Tuesday, 13 May 2025 at 6:00 pm Colorado Time (MDT)
