Nevada Copper Corp NEVDQ

18.1.14

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18.1.14 Groundwater Hydrology & Dewatering A regional numerical groundwater flow model was constructed in 2012 to estimate inflows to the Underground Project and potential impacts to regional and local water resources. In addition, data and conclusions generated support design of dewatering and water management system and permitting requirements. The numerical model was based on a compilation of regional, local and site-specific geologic and hydrogeologic data. Primary data sources include USGS, Desert Research Institute (DRI), Nevada Bureau of Mines and Geology (NBMG) and Nevada Copper geologic and mineral resources data. In addition, extensive historical and recent investigations have been conducted to characterize the site hydrogeology. 18.1.14.1 Regional & Site Hydrogeology Within the Yerington district, the occurrence of groundwater is controlled by the geologic distribution of bedrock and unconsolidated sediments throughout the region (Figure 18-3). The majority (approximately 98%) of the groundwater flow in the region occurs within alluvial aquifers along the Walker River and the adjacent valley floors and alluvial slopes away from the river. Groundwater flow in the alluvium is generally down-valley. Within bedrock, regional flow of groundwater is generally from higher to lower elevations in response to the greater precipitation derived recharge at higher elevations on the ranges. Groundwater within alluvium connects with that in bedrock near the margins of the valleys.