Analytical assessment of mine water rebound. Case study Ruhr coal basin

Abstract

This study aims to assess key factors that influence mine water rebound on the example of a large amount of hard coal mines flooded or being flooded in Europe. Three German mines have been selected for a detailed study. A mathematical model based on analytical formulae of seepage theory has been employed to calculate time-dependent radial inflow to the shaft simulated as a big well in vertically heterogeneous rocks. The results of modelling showed good conformity with measurements for all studied mines. Besides, we evaluated the sensitivity of the model output to parameter variations for mine water level and initial inflow to the mine.