Mt. Hope Project

Eureka County, Nevada

Interflow Hydrology has maintained a lead hydrogeology and regional flow modeling role for this large-scale central Nevada molybdenum mining project. The mine project will require 11,300 acre-ft per year of water supply (7,000 gpm continuous flow)for a 44-year planned mine life.

The hydrogeology of four large hydrographic basins, Kobeh, Diamond, Antelope and Pine Valleys, has been incorporated into a three-dimensional flow model which incorporates regional interbasin flows, recharge to mountainous terrains, shallow and deep basin-fill flow systems and processes, the historic effects of large-scale agricultural pumping in Diamond Valley, and other important hydrogeologic parameters for the region.

Interflow Hydrology prepared comprehensive databases for wells and historic water level records, historic pumping, refined geologic mapping for portions of Kobeh Valley and the Roberts Mountains, groundwater and surface water chemistry, and has assisted with developing and implementing base-line hydrologic monitoring programs including a regional stream and spring flow monitoring network.

Interflow Hydrology has provided field services and data interpretation for several phases of exploration drilling, test well construction, and aquifer testing to identify suitable production well sites and design the process water well field.

The hydrogeologic studies and the modeling have been used to assess potential impacts to water resources in the project EIS, have undergone substantial outside peer review, and have been the subject of two water rights hearings before the Nevada State Engineer.