South Gobi Underground Mass Mining InstituteGeohydrology & Water Management for underground mines
SGUMMI COURSECourse Summary
This comprehensive course in Underground Mine Water Management provides mining professionals, geotechnical engineers, and hydrogeologists with the applied knowledge and technical skills necessary to understand and assess water-related challenges in underground and cave mining operations. Beginning with foundational hydrogeological principles, participants explore the behaviour of groundwater in fractured and porous rock systems, the influence of pore pressure on stability, and the strategic role water plays in both operational efficiency and mine safety. Core topics include site-wide water management frameworks, dewatering system objectives, water’s impact on blasting and production, and the integration of water management into early mine design and permitting.
As the course progresses, participants are equipped to interpret hydrogeological data from monitoring, such as standpipe piezometers, vibrating wire piezometers, packer and slug tests, and cross-hole trials. Emphasis is placed on building accurate conceptual hydrogeological models at mine and district scales, which are used to guide dewatering and grouting strategies. In the final sessions, the course shifts focus to the dynamic hydrogeology of cave mines, covering transient hydraulic property evolution, short-circuiting, preferential flow, and mudrush risk. Case studies from numerous mines are used to demonstrate real-world application of the course principles, educating attendees with a practical understanding of mine water management.
COURSE OVERVIEWCourse Objectives
01
Introduce fundamental concepts of mine hydrogeology and its role in mine planning and operations.
02
Present key drivers and risks associated with groundwater in mining environments.
03
Introduce methodologies for hydrogeological data collection in mining settings.
04
Guide participants through building robust conceptual hydrogeological models.
05
Explore dewatering system strategies and methods in both open pit and underground settings.
06
Address planning and execution of early-stage mine water management programs.
07
Examine the evolving hydrogeology of cave mines and associated operational risks.
08
Teach mitigation strategies for managing water inflow and mudrush events in cave mining.
09
Introduce modelling approaches for dynamic cave zone hydrogeology and inflow prediction.
10
Develop skills in simulating transient water flow and saturation under cave mining conditions.
TARGET AUDIENCEThis course is ideal for
Early to mid-career geotechnical or geological engineers in underground mining
Technical teams supporting mining operations
Professionals working with geo data, geo models and their application into mine design
OUTCOMESKey Learning Outcomes
By the end of the course, participants will be able to:
- Understand the impact of groundwater on mine safety, production efficiency, and slope stability.
- Identify key components of a site-wide water management system and the goals of operational water control.
- Develop practical understanding of piezometer use, testing techniques, and monitoring methods.
- Create and validate a conceptual hydrogeological model to support dewatering and risk management.
- Differentiate between active and passive water control methods (e.g., pumping vs. grouting/freezing).
- Design effective dewatering plans for shafts, declines, and production headings using case examples.
- Predict changes in hydraulic behaviour during cave evolution and breakthrough to surface.
- Assess the contribution of water to mudrush risk and implement appropriate TARPs and management plans.
- Apply 1D, 2D, and 3D modelling techniques to simulate cave zone inflows and attenuation.
- Integrate water balance, recharge events, and geotechnical evolution into predictive hydrogeological models
COURSECourse Topics Covered
01
Introduction to Mine Hydrogeology – General Principles
02
Data Collection and Conceptual Model
03
General Mine Water Management
04
Cave Mine Hydrogeology
05
Model Applications for Cave Mines
FORMATDelivery Format
Duration:
5 days
Location:
Oyu Tolgoi Mine, Mongolia
Format:
In-person, expert-led instruction
Structure:
Approximately 60% theoretical content (including case studies), 40% hands-on practical activities
Language:
English
COURSE INSTRUCTORGeoff Beale
Geoff Beale has worked for more than 45 years in surface and groundwater control for the minerals industry. He has worked in over 70 countries worldwide, in all major industrial commodities, and in all climatic zones. Geoff is most noted for his global knowledge of open pit and underground mine dewatering projects and has been involved with many of the world’s largest dewatering operations. He has hands-on experience in many caving operations, including the modelling of cave zones. Geoff
also has broad experience in the operational and environmental aspects of leach pads, waste rock facilities and tailing systems. He has played a lead role in the implementation and monitoring of closure programs for many mine sites. In recent years, he has studied the role of water in geotechnical engineering, gathering data and experience from many underground and open pit mine sites worldwide. He has authored and edited two textbooks Guidelines for evaluating water in pit slope stability (2013) and Guidelines for open pit and waste dump closure (2025).
COURSE FAQFrequently Asked Questions
01/
Who should attend this course?
Early to mid-career geotechnical, geological, and mining engineers working in underground or cave mines, plus mine planning/design professionals and technical teams who support operations and need stronger water management capability.
02/
What practical skills will I gain?
You’ll learn how to collect and interpret hydrogeological data (e.g., standpipe and vibrating-wire piezometers, packer and slug tests, cross-hole trials), build conceptual hydrogeological models, design dewatering and grouting strategies, assess water’s impact on production and safety, and evaluate mudrush risk with appropriate TARPs and mitigation plans.
03/
How is the course delivered?
The course is delivered in person over five days at the Oyu Tolgoi mine in Mongolia, with approximately 60% theory (including case studies) and 40% hands-on practical activities, taught in English by an industry expert.
04/
Do I need prior experience or any prerequisites?
No advanced hydrogeology background is required, but a basic understanding of geology/geotechnical concepts is recommended. Be prepared for fieldwork in an underground setting; standard PPE and logistical details are provided in the pre-course information.
TESTIMONIALSWhat Our Industry Partners Are Saying
I’ve always been passionate about mining, and SGUMMI offers a unique opportunity to learn directly in the field. The program uses the Oyu Tolgoi mine itself as a training hub, which makes the learning incredibly practical and hands-on. It’s an ideal environment to build real-world skills.
Zaya Baitag
I truly enjoyed the SGUMMI course, which provided valuable insights into geotechnical principles and caving knowledge. The lessons were very practical and went beyond the math to explore the reason behind the concept. We are gaining experience-based knowledge from world-leading experts and professors. I’m very much looking forward to the remaining part of the course.
Batpurev Ganbat
The SGUMMI training is helping me gain a more systematic understanding of underground mass mining. It bridges the gap between theoretical learning and practical applications, and I’m already applying what I learn directly to my daily work. This is supporting my development toward the next step in my career.
Bayar-Erdene Ganbold
SGUMMI has been an amazing chance to learn from top mining experts. The sessions are well-connected and practical, helping me understand cave mining and geomechanics better. Now I feel more confident to grow professionally in this field.
Suvdaa Erdenebayar
This training plays a vital role in strengthening the education sector at a time when near-surface resources are being depleted and the demand for deep mining is increasing. As a young university lecturer, it is a valuable opportunity for me to share with mining company engineers and students what I’ve learned from professors. I am especially grateful for the chance to learn not only from internationally renowned professors but also from world-class practitioners in the mining industry.
Orkhon Erdenebaatar
Course Delivery Months
Planned Delivery:
February/March 2026
Exact dates will be confirmed closer to delivery.