Prospects for the use of reservoirs of the Lower Cambrian water-bearing complex for the development of the injection system of the Udachny mine

Abstract

Introduction: Since 2015, the development of a unique diamond deposit, the Udachnaya pipe, has been continued by underground mining, with a significant increase in the inflow of natural brine in comparison with the period of open mining, associated with better opening of the Middle Cambrian water-bearing complex by underground mine works. This made it necessary to construct protective systems for advanced water drawdown. The resource potential of the deposit allows considering further development and construction of the mine to a depth of 1630 m, which will lead to an even greater increase in the inflow of natural brines, especially after opening at a depth of 1250 1300 m from the day surface of the reservoirs of the Lower Cambrian water-bearing complex. The described situation required the improvement of the existing system for pumping highly mineralized drainage water. At present, in addition to the already tested system of injection of brines into reservoirs of the bottom part of permafrost, a technology for injection into deep reservoirs of the Lower Cambrian water-bearing complex in the Middle Cambrian and Lower Cambrian south-east areas has been developed and implemented. This article discusses the prospects for the use of deep-lying reservoirs of the Lower Cambrian water-bearing complex, according to the results of the analysis of the structural-tectonic map of the Daldynsky kimberlite field, the most promising areas for the construction of new injection sites were identified. Materials and Methods: For the investigation of the hydrodynamic regime of the Lower Cambrian waterbearing complex within the object of study, the generally accepted methods for the study of groundwater dynamics were used. The determination of hydrogeological parameters was carried out in the process of conducting a complex of experimental field work in 2020 2022 The analysis of the structural and tectonic conditions of the Daldynsky kimberlite field was carried out based on the results of a geological study of the territory during a complex of prospecting for diamonds. Results and Discussion: The performed studies and subsequent calculations allowed to consider the reservoirs of the regional Lower Cambrian water-bearing complex as a target for further expansion of the drainage water injection system of the Udachny mine. Taking into account the lithofacies conditions of the Daldynsky kimberlite field, the location of the injection sites to the north of the Oktyabrsky fault seems to be the most preferable. This fault is a boundary that affects not only the distribution of filtration parameters of the reservoirs of the Lower Cambrian water-bearing complex and also it serves as the boundary between the cryoartesian basins. Conclusions: The identified regularities in the formation of areas considered promising will be taken into account during future construction as part of the expansion of the existing mine injection system.