Water Quality Modelling Demystified: A Practical Course for Mining Professionals
Water quality modelling plays an important role in mine planning, permitting, operations and closure. Yet for many mining professionals, modelling can feel like a complex "black box". Some numbers go in, and a bunch of numbers come out – numbers that can have a significant influence on business and regulatory decisions. However, it is not always clear how the model results were developed or how much confidence should be placed in them. This course, provided in partnership by HydroEQ and BGC Engineering, is designed to bridge that gap by providing mining professionals with a practical understanding of how water quality models are developed, applied, and evaluated.
Participants will learn about some of the foundational pieces of modelling, including conceptual model development, and how hydrology, hydrogeology, geochemistry, climate, and mine planning assumptions are brought together to create and support water quality modelling. The course will explore different modelling approaches ranging from simple screening-level assessments to integrated and reactive transport models, highlighting the strengths, limitations, and appropriate applications of each. Emphasis will be placed on understanding source terms, model inputs, calibration, validation, and uncertainty analysis.
Most importantly, the course focuses on how to critically review and interpret modelling results in the context of environmental risk management and decision-making. Participants will learn how to identify key assumptions, recognize common modelling pitfalls, evaluate uncertainty, and ask the right questions when reviewing deliverables. By the end of the course, attendees will have a framework for understanding how water quality predictions are generated, how confidence in those predictions is established, and how modelling results can be used effectively to support permitting, operational, and closure decisions.
By the end of the course participants should be able to:
Understand where water quality models fit within mine planning and closure.
Understand how conceptual site models underpin all numerical modelling.
Recognize different modelling approaches and when each is appropriate.
Evaluate whether model inputs are reasonable.
Understand calibration, validation, and uncertainty.
Interpret model outputs and identify key risks.
Ask better review questions.
Use model results appropriately for permitting, closure, and operational decision-making.
Space is limited! Register now by emailing events@hydroeq.ca to secure your spot.
Who: Mining company personnel
What: A free, one-day training session focused on Water Quality Modelling
When: 8 AM to 4:30 PM, September 23, 2026
Where: Calgary, in person. Specific location details will be provided to successful registrants.
How: Email events@hydroeq.ca to register or for more info