Mine dewatering system and method

A method of dewatering a mine comprising the steps of:

• a) directionally drilling a first well into a formation adjacent to said mine, acquiring hydrogeologic assessment data from said well, and conducting a hydrogeologic assessment of said formation;
• b) evaluating said hydrogeologic assessment data to determine at least one directional well path that would encounter at least one geologic zone proximal said mine, said hydrogeological assessment identifying a geologic zone appearing to be in fluid communication with said mine and having at least high permeability;
• c) directionally drilling a at least one additional well along the determined at least one directional well path, such that at least a portion of said well is positioned substantially underneath said mine such that at least a portion of said well is capable of collecting water from said formation;
• d) positioning one or more submersible pumps inside said well;
• e) collecting water inside said well, prior to at least a portion of said water entering said mine;
• and
• f) pumping said water outside of said mine perimeter,
• wherein said well is drilled into said geologic formation so as to intersect one or more groundwater bearing underground compartments or one or more naturally occurring cross connects within said formation.