Prediction of mine drainage generation potential and the prevention method of the groundwater pollution in the Gümüşköy (Kütahya) mineralization area, NW Turkey

One of the leading factors of seepage contamination is mine drainage, which creates serious ecological risks on the environment both during operation and post-mining times. In this study, experimental processes have been carried out to determine the occurrence of mine drainage in the Gümüşköy (Kütahya) mineralization area (Northwest Turkey). The prevention method for potential mine drainage occurrence has been also discussed. High enrichment was observed which are directly related to mineralization in trace element concentrations, especially in potentially toxic metals such as Ag, Cd, Mo, Ba, Bi, and Zn. Based on short-term tests, mine drainage formation has not been expected according to the pH (7.36–9.38), contact leaching, and acid-base accounting studies. However, in the long-term, acid generation potential has been expected because of weathering and oxidation in terms of rock type and mineralization in the area. Therefore, in order to prevent groundwater contamination in the event of a possible formation of mine drainage, the hydraulic conductivity of the stock area bedrock was evaluated by the in situ tests performed in the field and it was found to be moderately permeable (K= 1.9 × 10−6 m/s). In order to make the stock area bedrock impermeable, natural clay will be laid and compressed at the base of the stock area. When the finite elements were modeled by seepage analysis, the seepage discharge to be formed on the base rock at a depth of 5 m was determined as 3.17 × 10−19 m3/s. Since the discharge value determined in the seepage analysis after modeling is very close to zero, contamination of possible ground and surface water will be prevented.