Forecasting the natural water inflow into the kalmakyr quarry by the time of completion of mining works and studying the chemical composition of surface and groundwater

This paper presents the results of a predictive assessment of natural water inflows into the Kalmakyr porphyry gold-copper deposit at the final stage of development and a study of the chemical composition of groundwater and surface water within the mining zone. The deposit is being mined using an open-pit method in complex hydrogeological conditions due to tectonic disturbances and the development of fissure waters in the upper part of the massif. The water inflow forecast was prepared taking into account precipitation (rain, stormwater, and meltwater) and groundwater from fissures. Atmospheric inflow calculations were conducted in accordance with current regulations, with differentiation based on occurrence and season. To estimate groundwater inflows, a model of analytical elements was developed and calibrated; the calibration was performed using actual low-water inflows. The obtained effective bedrock filtration coefficient was 0.01 m/day. It was established that the majority of water conductivity is concentrated in the upper 400 meters of the open pit, limiting the increase in inflows with further quarry deepening. Projected inflow values for the calculated sections and the total water inflow at the end of mining were determined. Hydrochemical studies revealed that groundwater and quarry water are characterized primarily by sulfate composition and high mineralization; some samples revealed exceedances of maximum permissible concentrations of sulfates, nitrates, and several trace elements. A correlation was demonstrated between elevated nitrate concentrations and the use of ammonium nitrate-based explosives. These results can be used to justify the design of drainage systems, dewatering systems, and environmental protection measures during the final stages of quarry development.

Xalkulova X. K., Pirnazarov M. M., Akhmedova N. M., Kakharov S. K., Khodzhaev Kh.S. Forecasting the natural water inflow into the kalmakyr quarry by the time of completion of mining works and studying the chemical composition of surface and groundwater. MIAB. Mining Inf. Anal. Bull. 2026;(10-1):124-139. [In Russ]. DOI: 10.25018/0236_1493_2026_101_0_124.

X.K. Xalkulova, PhD Student, University of Geological Sciences GU «Institute of Mineral Resources», 100164, Tashkent, Republic of Uzbekistan, e-mail: Xayotxonxalkulova@gmail.com, ORCID ID: 0009-0003-5586-1991,
M.M. Pirnazarov, Dr. Sci. (Geol. Mineral.), (DSn), University of Geological Sciences, 100164, Tashkent, Republic of Uzbekistan, e-mail: pirnazarov1959@gmail.com, ORCID ID: 0009-0008-8974-4677,
N.M. Akhmedova¹, PhD, Associate Professor, e-mail: nazira.akhmedova.68@bk.ru, ORCID ID: 0009-0008-3432-3664,
S.K. Kakharov¹, Cand. Sci. (Eng.), PhD, Associate Professor, Head of Chair, e-mail: info@misis.uz, ORCID ID: 0009-0007-0433-3186,
Kh.S. Khodzhaev¹, PhD, Associate Professor, e-mail: hodzaevhabibhon@gmail.com, ORCID ID: 0009-0007-2604-0253,
¹ Almalyk Branch of NUST MISIS, 110101, Almalyk, Republic of Uzbekistan.

X.K. Xalkulova, e-mail: Xayotxonxalkulova@gmail.com.

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