Characterization of Kolar gold field mine tailings for cyanide and acid drainage

The gold mining process at Kolar gold field (KGF) mines has generated about 32 million tons of tailings. Gold was extracted from the mined ores using cyanidation technique that involved dissolution of gold in the ore by water soluble alkali metal cyanides (example, sodium cyanide or potassium cyanide). Of the several dumps that received the mine tailings only the Kennedy’s Line dump was active prior to closure of the KGF mines in the year 2000. The Kennedy’s Line dump received sulfide bearing tailings in slurry form that comprised of spent ore and process water bearing soluble alkali metal cyanide. Depending on the pH of the tailing slurry, the free cyanides may exist as aqueous hydrogen cyanide that can escape to the atmosphere as hydrogen cyanide gas or occur as soluble cyanide (CN⁻) ions that can be leached by infiltrating water to the sub-surface environment. Additionally, the presence of pyrite minerals in the Kennedy’s Line dump makes them susceptible to acid drainage. This study examines the potential of gold tailings of Kennedy’s Line dump to release cyanide ions (CN⁻) and acid drainage to the sub-surface environment by performing physico-chemical and leaching tests with tailing samples collected from various depths of the dump, sub-surface soil samples beneath the dump and groundwater samples from vicinity of Kennedy’s Line dump. The chemical mechanisms responsible for the ambient cyanide and pH levels of the tailing dump, sub-surface soil samples and groundwater are also inferred from the laboratory results.     

粤北大宝山矿尾矿铅污染迁移及生态系统环境响应

粤北大宝山铁多金属矿床的开发给环境带来了严重的危害。采选冶产生的废液及固体废弃物堆积的淋滤酸水, 携带浸滤出的大量重金属离子随着酸水排入下游河道, 严重影响矿区及酸水流域的生态环境。将矿床-土壤（含河流底泥）-水体-生命体视为统一的生态环境系统, 从尾砂、水体、河流底泥、土壤以及食用蔬菜等方面探讨整个环境系统对重金属Pb的环境响应。结果表明： 河流水中高Pb含量直接源于尾砂, 并受水体pH值的显著影响; 河流底泥能够大量聚集水体中的Pb, 在高pH值时, 相对稳定存在, 在水体pH值降低时, Pb会被再次从河流底泥中释放出来, 形成河流二次污染; 土壤中Pb含量受土壤pH值和土壤粒度的影响; 食用蔬菜中Pb的高含量受土壤Pb高含量决定, 并受土壤pH值的影响, 通过改善农业灌溉水质, 提高土壤pH值, 可以降低蔬菜重金属Pb含量。     

铜陵矿山酸性排水及固体废弃物中的重金属元素

在调查中国铜陵凤凰山铜矿和新桥硫铁矿两种不同类型矿山固体废弃物特征的基础上,研究了矿山尾矿和废石产生酸性排水的可能性及其差异以及矿山固体废弃物中重金属元素的赋存形式。结果表明,凤凰山铜矿的尾矿基本不产生矿山酸性排水,而新桥硫铁矿采矿废石产生矿山酸性排水,并且凤凰山铜矿的尾矿和新桥硫铁矿采矿废石中重金属元素的赋存形式也有差异,前者重金属Cu、Pb、Zn、Cd、As、Hg主要赋存于硅酸盐态中,而后者在还原态中有较高的含量,这反映了在地表条件下尾矿中大量重金属元素已经发生了迁移,而采矿废石已经开始氧化,且酸性排水的存在更有利于废石中重金属元素的迁移和扩散,进而导致矿区周围环境的污染。     

粤北大宝山矿酸性排水中铅元素环境地球化学

粤北大宝山铁多金属矿床的开发给环境带来了严重的危害。采选冶产生的酸性排水及固体废弃物堆积的淋滤酸水,携带浸滤出的大量重金属离子流入下游河道,严重影响矿区及酸水流域的生态环境。结果表明,河流水中高Pb含量直接源于尾砂,并受水体pH值的显著影响。河流底泥能够大量聚集水体中的Pb,在水体pH值降低时,相对稳定存在的Pb会被再次从河流底泥中释放出来,形成河流二次污染。土壤中Pb含量受土壤pH值和土壤粒度的影响,食用蔬菜中Pb的高含量由土壤Pb高含量决定,并受土壤pH值的影响,通过改善农业灌溉水质,提高土壤pH值,可以降低蔬菜重金属Pb含量。     

An environmental oriented model for optimum cut-off grades in open pit mining projects to minimize acid mine drainage

Environmental concerns on mining activities started near the end of the 20^th century and is still underway. Due to mining activities, the adverse environmental impact has been significant throughout the history of mankind, whereas the minerals produced by mining activities have been providing the basis for human civilization. The legacy of past mining practices is large quantities of acid generating waste materials and tailings that caused abounding acid mine drainage problems. Modern mining environmental management tends to focus on concerns over the impact of waste disposal on surface primarily in the form of tailings and waste materials structures. Sustainable development principles are being increasingly applied by mining companies in developed and developing countries. Operating costs per unit of operation is recognized to be one the most important sustainable mining practice indicator and cut-off grade is considered to be a well-founded representative for this indicator. In this study, a developed model for optimum cut-off grades is presented that not only relies on economical aspects but also minimizes adverse environmental impact in the form of acid mine drainage elimination or mitigation against the approach of postponing the restoration/reclamation activities at the end of the project’s life.     

采矿环境地球化学研究

阐述了采矿对环境造成的负面影响 ,包括 :尾矿或废石堆中的杂质元素会进入表生地球化学循环 ,在不同气候条件下 ,呈现不同的特征模式 ,尾矿氧化带的酸性水的排放 ;矿山污染源对周围土壤和植物的影响使重金属元素等进入食物链 ,对人类和动物健康造成威胁。根据国内外的最新研究动向 ,指出建立环境地球化学模式 ,对采矿环境污染作出客观的监测和评价 ,能为防止污染和治理环境提供可靠的地球化学依据。     

Release of toxic elements from rocks and mine wastes at the Furtei gold mine (Sardinia, Italy)

The Furtei gold mine in Sardinia (Italy) exploits a volcanic-hosted high-sulphidation epithermal deposit. Large amounts of materials derived from exploitation are present in open pits, waste rock dumps and cyanidation tailings impoundment. Mineralized rocks in outcrops and waste dumps contain significant amounts of sulphides (mainly pyrite and enargite). These materials have a high potential for acid drainage generation and release of toxic elements (notably Cu and As, but also Al, Ni, Co and Cd) as pointed out by laboratory leaching tests and in agreement with chemical composition of waters draining the mining area, that show pH as low as 2, up to 180 mg/L Cu, up to 5 mg/L As, and up to 788 mg/L Al. On the other hand, leaching solutions and waters interacting with mineral assemblages of the propylitic alteration zone (mainly composed of chlorite, quartz, and calcite, with relic magmatic plagioclase) show higher pH, and lower metal loads. Leachates from cyanidation tailings show variable pH (between 6.2 and 9.7, depending on sulphide content in tailings); cyanide concentration varies between 110 µg/L and about 3 mg/L, whereas contents of toxic elements in leachates are, with the exception of Hg, within the limits of Italian regulations for non-dangerous industrial wastes. Reclamation plans provide for confinement of tailings within specific repositories. This measure should effectively reduce the environmental impact of these materials. Reclamation plans should also include an adequate management of other high-sulphide wastes.     

Hydrogeochemistry and microbiology of mine drainage: An update

The extraction of mineral resources requires access through underground workings, or open pit operations, or through drillholes for solution mining. Additionally, mineral processing can generate large quantities of waste, including mill tailings, waste rock and refinery wastes, heap leach pads, and slag. Thus, through mining and mineral processing activities, large surface areas of sulfide minerals can be exposed to oxygen, water, and microbes, resulting in accelerated oxidation of sulfide and other minerals and the potential for the generation of low-quality drainage. The oxidation of sulfide minerals in mine wastes is accelerated by microbial catalysis of the oxidation of aqueous ferrous iron and sulfide. These reactions, particularly when combined with evaporation, can lead to extremely acidic drainage and very high concentrations of dissolved constituents. Although acid mine drainage is the most prevalent and damaging environmental concern associated with mining activities, generation of saline, basic and neutral drainage containing elevated concentrations of dissolved metals, non-metals, and metalloids has recently been recognized as a potential environmental concern. Acid neutralization reactions through the dissolution of carbonate, hydroxide, and silicate minerals and formation of secondary aluminum and ferric hydroxide phases can moderate the effects of acid generation and enhance the formation of secondary hydrated iron and aluminum minerals which may lessen the concentration of dissolved metals. Numerical models provide powerful tools for assessing impacts of these reactions on water quality.     

A laboratory study of covers made of low-sulphide tailings to prevent acid mine drainage

Covers with capillary barrier effects (CCBE) are considered to be one of the most effective ways to control acid mine drainage (AMD) production from mine wastes. The use of low-sulphide tailings in CCBE has been proposed recently for cases where other types of material may be unavailable near the mining site. This paper presents leaching column test results showing that CCBEs with a moisture-retaining layer made of slightly reactive tailings, with three different sulphide contents, can effectively limit the production of AMD from the acid-generating tailings placed underneath. With these layered covers, the leachate pH was maintained near neutrality throughout the testing period. When compared to uncovered tailings, the efficiency of the cover systems for reducing the amount of contaminants in the percolated water was determined to be greater than 99% for zinc, copper and iron. This study shows that the use of low-sulphide tailings can improve the ability of a CCBE to limit gas diffusion by consuming a fraction of the migrating oxygen.     

Acid drainage reassessment of mining tailings,Black Swan Nickel Mine,Kalgoorlie, Western Australia

This paper describes the geochemical testing of mine tailings sourced from the Black Swan Ni Mine located near Kalgoorlie, Western Australia. Acid–base accounting was used to provide an indication of the acid generating capacity of two kinds of mining tailings: disseminated-ore tailings from the Cygnet Tailings Dam Storage Facility (CTDSF) and massive-ore tailings from the Silver Swan Tailings Dam Storage Facility (SSTDSF). All of the tailings in SSTDSF have acid generating potential which is consistent with previous research reports. New findings in this paper reveal that approximately 16% of the tailings in CTDSF have the potential to be acid generating. In contrast, previous reports state that the disseminated-ore tailings are classified as non-acid forming. Most of the potential acid generating tailings in the CTDSF are found in the upper-middle sections of the tailings profile, but some are located at the bottom of the tailings dam. The upper-middle section of the tailings is oxidized because these tailings have interacted with atmospheric O₂ and rain and surface water. Oxidation of the bottom tailings in the CTDSF may be due to infiltration of ground water into hidden fractures under the east bank of CTDSF, which caused these tailings to oxidize under closed and reduced conditions.The acid drainage in the tailings dam storage facility was observed 3 a, after the development of the Black Swan Nickel project. This delayed production of acid drainage was likely due to the slow rates of acid neutralization provided by alteration gouge minerals such as Mg/Fe-carbonates (magnesite–siderite series) associated with the Ni ores. The acid drainage leaking from the tailings dams has contaminated neighboring ground water via increased acidity and heavy metals.Because of the potential acid generation in some of the disseminated ore tailings, it is inadvisable to use disseminated ore tailings as cover materials in the storage facility to isolate the underlying potentially-acid-forming tailings from O₂ and water, as proposed by previous research reports.     

Chemical characteristics and acid drainage assessment of mine tailings from Akara Gold mine in Thailand

Acid Mine Drainage (AMD) is a great concern in many abandoned mines because of its adverse effect on the environment. In mining processes, many kinds of wastes are produced. These wastes may become eventually sources of environmental degradation. The focus of this study is the geochemical characterization of the end-processed tailings generated by Akara Gold Mine, the biggest gold mine in Thailand. Tailing samples were systematically collected for analyses of chemical and mineralogical compositions. As a result, their quantitative chemical analyses are slightly different from place to place, but mineral components cannot be clearly differentiated. For instance, it may be assumed that the end-processed tailings, which were a mixture between high and low grade concentrates, would have similar mineral components. However, the little variation of chemical composition may be caused by the ore refining processes that are somehow varied in proportion to chemical additives, alkali cyanide and quick lime in particular. In addition, clay composition in ore-bearing layers may also influence alumina content of tailings, accordingly. Distribution of the tailings is not related to depth and distance of the tailing storage pond because the disposal has sped them over the pond during operation. Total heavy metals of the tailing samples were analyzed on the basis of the EPA 3052 method. Consequently, the most toxic elements (e.g., Co, Cu, Cd, Cr, Pb, Ni and Zn) were found falling within the standard of Thailand Soil Quality Standards for Habitat and Agriculture. Only Mn appears to have higher content than the standard. In addition, leaching tests proved that these tailings contain low metal concentrations. As a result, at pH 2, Mn can leach out exceeding the Thailand Surface Water Quality Standard for Agricultural (Mn <1 ppm) and the Thailand Industrial Effluent Standard (<5 ppm). Although leachate at pH 4 and neutral conditions contains lower Mn than the Industrial Effluent Standard it still exceeds the surface water quality standard. Interestingly, Pb can be leached out exceeding both standards (0.2 ppm for the industrial effluent standard and 0.05 ppm for the surface water quality standard). For Ni leaching, its concentration is lower than the Industrial Effluent Standard at all pH conditions but still exceeds the Surface Water Standard at pH 2 and 4. This information should be taken into consideration for further environmental monitoring. Acid generating potential of the tailings was estimated using acid–base accounting (ABA) and net acid generation (NAG) tests. The results of ABA and NAG tests show that the tailing samples contain a high amount of sulfur. However, they also contain high acid neutralization capacity. Consequently, these tailings may not have potential to generate acid drainage; in the other words, they can be classified as a non-acid forming (NAF) material. However, since these tailings contain some heavy metals (e.g., Ni, Mn and Pb) that are observed in leachates exceeding the standards at low pH, the AMD conditions may lead to heavy metal release. Therefore, prevention of oxidizing process and dissolution should be considered with great care. In addition, Mn and Pb can also be leached at neutral conditions. Barrier of air and water, clay layer for example, should be placed over the tailings pound before covering by topsoil for re-vegetation. Growing native grass is recommended for stabilization of the surface and reducing erosion rate. Monitoring of water quality should also be carried out annually.     

Immobilization of toxic elements in mine residues derived from mining activities in the Iberian Pyrite Belt (SW Spain): Laboratory experiments

In the mining environments of the Iberian Pyrite Belt (IPB), the oxidation of sulphide wastes generates acid drainage with high concentrations of SO₄, metals and metalloids (Acid Mine Drainage, AMD). These acid and extremely contaminated discharges are drained by the fluvial courses of the Huelva province (SW Spain) which deliver high concentrations of potentially toxic elements into the Gulf of Cádiz. In this work, the oxidation process of mine tailings in the IPB, the generation of AMD and the potential use of coal combustion fly ash as a possible alkaline treatment for neutralization of and metal removal from AMD, was studied in non-saturated column experiments. The laboratory column tests were conducted on a mine residue (71.6 wt% pyrite) with artificial rainfall or irrigation. A non-saturated column filled solely with the pyrite residue leached solutions with an acid pH (approx. 2) and high concentrations of SO₄ and metals. These leachates have the same composition as typical AMD, and the oxidation process can be compared with the natural oxidation of mine tailings in the IPB. However, the application of fly ash to the same amount of mine residue in another two non-saturated columns significantly increased the pH and decreased the SO₄ and metal concentrations in the leaching solutions. The improvement in the quality of leachates by fly ash addition in the laboratory was so effective that the leachate reached the pre-potability requirements of water for human consumption under EU regulations. The extrapolation of these experiments to the field is a promising solution for the decontamination of the fluvial courses of the IPB, and therefore, the decrease of pollutant loads discharging to the Gulf of Cádiz.     

Geochemical and mineralogical aspects of sulfide mine tailings

Tailings generated during processing of sulfide ores represent a substantial risk to water resources. The oxidation of sulfide minerals within tailings deposits can generate low-quality water containing elevated concentrations of SO₄, Fe, and associated metal(loid)s. Acid generated during the oxidation of pyrite [FeS₂], pyrrhotite [Fe_(1−x)S] and other sulfide minerals is neutralized to varying degrees by the dissolution of carbonate, (oxy)hydroxide, and silicate minerals. The extent of acid neutralization and, therefore, pore-water pH is a principal control on the mobility of sulfide-oxidation products within tailings deposits. Metals including Fe(III), Cu, Zn, and Ni often occur at high concentrations and exhibit greater mobility at low pH characteristic of acid mine drainage (AMD). In contrast, (hydr)oxyanion-forming elements including As, Sb, Se, and Mo commonly exhibit greater mobility at circumneutral pH associated with neutral mine drainage (NMD). These differences in mobility largely result from the pH-dependence of mineral precipitation–dissolution and sorption–desorption reactions. Cemented layers of secondary (oxy)hydroxide and (hydroxy)sulfate minerals, referred to as hardpans, may promote attenuation of sulfide-mineral oxidation products within and below the oxidation zone. Hardpans may also limit oxygen ingress and pore-water migration within sulfide tailings deposits. Reduction–oxidation (redox) processes are another important control on metal(loid) mobility within sulfide tailings deposits. Reductive dissolution or transformation of secondary (oxy)hydroxide phases can enhance Fe, Mn, and As mobility within sulfide tailings. Production of H₂S via microbial sulfate reduction may promote attenuation of sulfide-oxidation products, including Fe, Zn, Ni, and Tl, via metal-sulfide precipitation. Understanding the dynamics of these interrelated geochemical and mineralogical processes is critical for anticipating and managing water quality associated with sulfide mine tailings.     

Geochemistry and mineralogy of surface pyritic tailings impoundments at two mining sites of the Iberian Pyrite Belt (SW Spain)

Two pyritic tailings impoundments located in two mining areas of the Iberian Pyrite Belt (Cueva de la Mora and Minas de Ríotinto-Zarandas) were selected to asses their potential environmental impact. Mineralogical (XRD diffraction study), physico-chemical characterization (colour, particle size, pH, acid–base account, total Fe, As, Cu, Pb and Zn) as well as a speciation study (by means of a seven-step sequential extraction procedure) were performed in superficial (0–20 cm) tailings samples. Arsenic and metal contents in soils around the tailings impoundments were also studied. Zarandas dam, a reclaimed impoundment, which has been limed, partially topsoiled and planted, has supported and allowed the growth of pine trees and other plants for many years. The surface of this impoundment can be considered very acid but nonacid forming. Although total As and metal concentrations were relatively high, it is not possible to conclude that the Zarandas tailings have polluted the surrounding soils. Tailings in Cueva de la Mora showed high total and easily mobilizable concentration of toxic elements. The net neutralization potential was strongly negative as a consequence of the acid generation caused by the sulphide oxidation, the presence of secondary acid-generating minerals and the absence of neutralizing materials. Coquimbite and rhomboclase efflorescences formed during the Mediterranean dry summers on the surface of this impoundment contained very high levels of soluble As, Cu and Zn that were easily dissolved and released to the running water in the first rains of autumn.     

Estimation of potential pollution from mine tailings in the San Pedro River (1993–2005), Mexico–US border

The San Pedro River (SPR) is located in northern Sonora (Mexico) and southeastern Arizona (USA). SPR is a transboundary river that develops along the Sonora (Mexico) and Arizona (USA) border, and is considered the main source of water for a variety of users (human settlements, agriculture, livestock, and industry). The SPR originates in the historic Cananea mining area, which hosts some of the most important copper mineralizations in Mexico. Acid mine drainage derived from mine tailings is currently reaching a tributary of the SPR near Cananea City, resulting in the contamination of the SPR with heavy metals and sulfates in water and sediments. This study documents the accumulation and distribution of heavy metals in surface water along a segment of the SPR from 1993 to 2005. Total concentrations of Cd, Cu, Fe, Mn, Pb, and Zn in surface waters are above maximum permissible levels in sampling sites near mine tailing deposits. Nevertheless, a significant decrease in the Fe and SO₄ ²⁻ in surface water (SO₄ ²⁻: 7,180–460.39 mg/L; Fe: 1,600–9.51 mg/L) as well as a gradual decrease in the heavy and transition metal content were observed during the period from 1994 to 2005. Approximately 2.3 km downstream of the mine tailings, the heavy metal content of the water drops quickly following an increase in pH values due to the discharging of wastewater into the river. The attenuation of the heavy metal content in surface waters is related to stream sediment precipitation (accompanied by metal coprecipitation and sorption) and water dilution. Determining the heavy metal concentration led to the conclusion that the Cananea mining area and the San Pedro River are ecosystems that are impacted by the mining industry and by untreated wastewater discharges arising from the city of Cananea (Sonora, Mexico).     

矿山尾矿矿物学研究进展

矿山尾矿由于产生大量酸性排水和释放重金属，污染地下水和地表水，破坏生态环境而成为人们关注的焦点。尾矿引起的环境问题是地表条件下，水一气一矿物复杂反应的综合结果。近年来尾矿矿物学的研究已经揭示出尾矿中矿物分解和形成的规律，水一气一矿物反应的机制和影响因素，酸性排水和重金属迁移规律，为尾矿环境危险性评价和尾矿污染防治提供了基础资料和新的思路。     

黔西南Au-As-Hg-Tl矿化区毒害金属元素的水地球化学

研究了黔西南典型Ａｕ－Ａｓ－Ｈｇ－Ｔｌ矿化区内毒害金属元素在采矿活动和自然状态影响下的水地球化学特征及其环境效应。结果表明,已开采的Ｈｇ－Ｔｌ矿区地下水和地表水中均有很高的毒害金属元素,煤采区地下水中亦表现出类似的特征,而Ｈｇ－Ｔｌ矿区外围地下水中金属元素保持在较低的水平。Ｈｇ－Ｔｌ矿区地素水中Ａｓ和Ｔｌ的分布模式表明,其含量的变化受矿区地下水排泄和尾矿淋滤作用的控制。在尚未开采的金矿区,浅层地下     

Kinetic tests comparison and interpretation for prediction of the Joutel tailings acid generation potential

Five sulfide mine tailings coming from the Joutel mine tailing ponds (Quebec, Canada) were tested by the humidity cell test (30 to 52 cycles duration) and the column test (11 to 12 cycles duration). The objectives of this study were twofold. First, there was the determination of the tailings acid generation potential for site reclamation. Second, there was the kinetic test comparison for understanding the tailings geochemical behavior under different test conditions. The samples used had a wide diversity in terms of acid-generation potential, particle size distribution, and parameters influencing reaction rates. Leachates produced remained at a near neutral pH for the duration of the tests. Evolution of the main elements involved in the dissolution processes demonstrated neutralization by carbonates as a response to the acid generated by sulfide oxidation. Depletion rates given by sulfates are higher for the humidity cell tests when compared to those obtained for the column tests. This is consistent with most studies to date, the humidity cell test being considered as more severe. However, by taking the ratio between cumulative elements coming from neutralization and the ones coming from oxidation, similar curves (named herein oxidation –neutralization curves) for all tests were obtained. These results show that overall geochemical behavior of the tailings is similar at near neutral pH for both types of tests. With this interpretation method, the acid-generation potential of the Joutel tailings were tested and compared to the static test results to constrain their uncertainty zone with regard to the studied tailings. The tailings geochemical behavior (carbonate dissolution response to sulfide oxidation) at near neutral pH condition appears slightly dependent of test conditions under certain hypothesis.     

山底河流域煤矿酸性矿井水野外监测

酸性矿井水在我国鲁西南、山西、内蒙、云南和贵州等煤矿区普遍存在,酸性矿井水其pH往往在2~5之间,高SO₄2?、HB、TDS、Fe、Mn。这些物质进入地下水、地表水或土壤后,会对其造成严重危害。文章选择山西阳泉市典型废弃煤矿区山底河流域为研究区,通过水文地质调查,水文地质钻探,水文地质剖面等方法阐述山底流域地层岩性,水文地质条件概况,得出受煤矿开采影响,与天然条件下相比山底河流域的地表水和地下水的补给、径流、排泄条件均发生了根本变化。补给通过破坏产生的导水裂隙带运移,以垂向运动为主;径流通过坑道,导水裂隙带运移,以横向运动为主;排泄以矿坑排水和泉水溢出方式为主。并简述山底河流域煤矿酸性矿井水试验站观测站分布情况与水化学特征。      

Environmental Geochemistry of Mining Activities in Panzhihua Region, Southwestern China

INTRODUCTIONMining activlties have significant envi ronmenta1 inll)ac'l ssuch as visual intrusions, dust, noise, blasting, trafflc and h}'drology (Kwolek, l999; Ripley et al., l996 ). The l)rot'csst'sof mineral extraction, processing, smelting and refinlng;1rt'never approximate to the environmental neutrality, but tht' affected areas can be ameliorated (KwoIek, l999; Klukanov;1;llltlRapant, 1999). The regions, where mining activities are I,r('sent or continuous for a long tlme, are pote…