Vol. 337 No. 4 (2026)
DOI https://doi.org/10.18799/24131830/2026/4/5173
Drainage water injection effect on the geothermal regime of rocks of the Mirninsky kimberlite field
Relevance. Diamond mining at the deposits of the Mirninsky kimberlite field has led to the formation of highly mineralized drainage waters. Currently, the primary method of managing these waters is reinjection into the reservoirs of the Metegero-Icher aquifer complex within zones of dynamic impact from regional faults. Over the entire period of using this method (1990–2023), more than 340 million m³ of brine has been injected into the subsurface, resulting in concentrated anthropogenic pressure on the geological environment. To ensure the safe reinjection of drainage brines into permafrost layers, continuous monitoring of changes in the thermal field of rock masses is necessary. Aim. To assess the impact of drainage brine reinjection on the geothermal regime of injection reservoirs in the intensively exploited Tymtaidaakh area. Object. Reservoirs of the Metegero-Icher aquifer complex. Methods. To determine the temperature regime in different periods of work on the site, geophysical studies were carried out, including thermometry to determine the geothermal gradient and flow metering to identify reservoir intervals. Temperature measurements were taken in all injection and observation wells. To study the thermodynamic regime of the storage tank, area testing of drainage waters was carried out. Results and conclusions. The analysis of drainage water reinjection operations at the Mir pipe within the impact zone of the Eastern Fault (1989–2023) revealed a significant cooling effect on the geological environment. The use of a large-capacity surface settling pond led to a sustained decrease in temperature along injection wellbores, where negative thermal anomalies ranging from –0.5 to –3°C were recorded. Thus, the settling and associated cooling of drainage brines in the pond contribute to maintaining the geothermal regime within the injection reservoir interval without affecting the phase state of the brines.
For citation: Yannikov A.M., Yannikova S.A., Korepanov A.Yu. Drainage water injection effect on the geothermal regime of rocks of the Mirninsky kimberlite field. Bulletin of the Tomsk Polytechnic University. Geo Assets Engineering, 2026, vol. 337, no. 4, pp. 92-104.
Keywords:
Mirninsky kimberlite field, Mir pipe, highly mineralized natural brines, Metegero-Ichersky aquifer complex, carbonate reservoirs, geothermal regime, injection, permafrost
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