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Hydrogeological studies on the Tarkwa gold mining district, Ghana

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Abstract

The physical hydrogeology of the Tarkwa area has been evaluated with a view to improving the understanding of its groundwater characteristics. It has been inferred that aquifers in the Tarkwa area possess dual and variable porosity and heterogeneous permeability with predominantly limited storage properties. Both soil infiltration and pumping tests have shown that the Banket Series has the best hydraulic features, but the Banket rocks are host rocks for gold. The effect of mining on the groundwater regime is discussed, comparing groundwater recharge estimates obtained using the water balance method (299±72 mm year−1) and the stream hydrograph method (192±30 mm year−1).

Résumé

Le contexte hydrogéologique du district minier de Tarkwa a été étudié avec l’objectif d’améliorer la connaissance des systèmes aquifères. Il a pu être montré que les aquifères du district de Tarkwa présentent des porosités et perméabilités complexes et de forte variabilité, avec de faibles performances quant aux fonctions capacitives. A la fois les essais d’infiltration et les essais de pompage ont montré que la série de Banket présente les meilleures caractéristiques hydrauliques, mais les roches de cette série constituent un minerai aurifère. Les effets de l’exploitation minière sur le fonctionnement de l’aquifère sont discutés, la recharge de l’aquifère ayant été analysée, comparant la méthode des bilans et la méthode hydrographique.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Geological Engineering, University of Mines and Technology, P.O. Box 237, Tarkwa, Ghana

    Jerry S. Kuma

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  1. Jerry S. Kuma
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Correspondence to Jerry S. Kuma.

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Kuma, J.S. Hydrogeological studies on the Tarkwa gold mining district, Ghana. Bull Eng Geol Environ 66, 89–99 (2007). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10064-006-0048-z

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10064-006-0048-z

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