Effects of pH on arsenic mineralogy and stability in Poldice Valley,Cornwall, United Kingdom

Many abandoned mine sites in Cornwall, UK, are characterised by elevated concentrations of arsenic (As), which can cause contamination of surrounding soil and water resources. These sites have important historical value that requires access to be maintained, despite exposure of humans to toxins that may lead to health issues including hyperpigmentation keratosis (including skin cancers) and liver fibrosis. The abandoned mine tailings at Wheal Maid has been assessed for As-bearing mineralogy and stability taking into account the public footpaths made by the local council to areas of potential contamination.To assess the potential risk associated with these mine sites, the As concentration in waters along the tailings dam and Carnon River have been measured and range up to 3.6 ppm, which is 2 orders of magnitude above the WHO guideline value of 0.01 ppm for drinking water. Samples of water, rocks and soils from the mine tailings ponds and the Carnon River were analysed using Inductively Coupled Plasma – Optical Emission Spectrometry (ICP-OES) and Inductively Coupled Plasma – Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS) to determine the concentration of individual elements in each sample followed by mineral identification using X-Ray Diffraction (XRD). Mineralogical evaluation indicated that the majority of mine tailings consist of clay-rich rocks, with few associated As-bearing minerals. Scorodite (FeAsO₄·2H₂O) is observed in the mine tailings pond and appears critical to the As distribution and storage in this surface environment. Using the analysed water chemistry, a modified version of PHREEQC is used to calculate the saturation index of scorodite as a function of pH conditions. The strong variation of the solubility of this mineral with pH and oxidation state highlights potential risks for using scorodite for As fixation and storage.     

Modified acid–base accounting model validation and pH buffer trend characterisation in mine drainage at the AngloGold Ashanti Obuasi mine in Ghana,West Africa

Acid–base accounting (ABA) is a static test used to evaluate pre-mining drainage quality of ores with interpretations based on a reference 3-data point model. The method is often complemented with a kinetic test to ensure certainty of results. The challenges associated with both methods compel companies to rely on only the ABA test, thereby compromising on the long-term drainage quality. This paper validates a proposed 4-data point model that was used to establish a 20% increase in the alkaline amendment of ores at the AngloGold Ashanti Obuasi Mine in Ghana. The validation was done using model limits, the robustness of coefficient of determination and model factor sequence variation. Acidification trends and mineralogical data evaluation of tailings were used to characterise pH buffer trends in mine drainage. The modified 4-data point model, which incorporates a vital kinetic test factor into the ABA model, provides a criterion for the adjustment of carbonate amendment value to improve acid neutralisation in the drainage; this would reduce (1) cost of experimentation, (2) turnaround time for analyses, (3) complexities associated with both test methods. From the XRD data, alunite and goethite are present in tailings to provide sustained pH buffering in drainage beyond the scope of the modified model, while the characterised pH buffer trend could be used for monitoring drainage quality.     

Mineralogical and geochemical alteration of Hitura sulphide mine tailings with emphasis on nickel mobility and retention

Weathering of Hitura (W Finland) nickel sulphide mine tailings and release of heavy metals into pore water was studied with mineralogical (optical and electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction) and geochemical methods (selective extractions). Tailings were composed largely of serpentine, micas and amphiboles with only minor carbonates and sulphides. Sulphides, especially pyrrhotite, have oxidized intensively in the shallow tailings in 10–15 years, but a majority of the tailings have remained unchanged. Oxidation has resulted in depletion of carbonates, slightly decreased pH, and heavy metal (Ni, Zn) release in pore water as well as in the precipitation of secondary Fe precipitates. Nevertheless, in the middle of the tailings area, where the oxidation front moves primarily downward, released heavy metals have been adsorbed and immobilized with these precipitates deeper in the oxidation zone. In contrast to what was seen in pore water pH, but in accordance with static tests of the previous studies, the neutralisation potential ratio (NPR) calculated based on the mineralogical composition and the total sulphur content suggested that tailings are ‘not potentially acid mine drainage (AMD) generating’. However, the calculated buffering capacity of the tailings resulted largely from the abundant serpentine because of the low carbonate content. Despite its slow weathering rate, serpentine may buffer the acidity to some extent through ion exchange processes in fine ground tailings. Nevertheless, in practice, acid production capacity of the tailings depends primarily on the balance between Ca–Mg carbonates and iron sulphides. NPR calculation based on carbonate and sulphur contents suggested, that the Hitura tailings are ‘likely AMD generating’. The study shows that sulphide oxidation can be significant in mobilisation of heavy metals even in apparently non-acid producing, low sulphide tailings. Therefore, prevention of oxygen diffusion into tailings is also essential in this type of sulphide tailings.     

Reactive transport modelling of mine tailings columns with capillarity-induced high water saturation for preventing sulfide oxidation

A series of laboratory column tests on reactive mine tailings was numerically simulated to study the effect of high water saturation on preventing sulfide mineral oxidation and acid mine drainage (AMD). The approach, also known as an elevated water table (EWT), is a promising alternative to full water covers for the management and closure of sulfidic tailings impoundments and for the long term control of acid mine drainage. The instrumented columns contained reactive tailings from the Louvicourt mine, Quebec, and were overlain by a protective sand cover. Over a 13–19 month period, the columns were exposed to atmospheric O₂ and flushed approximately every month with demineralized water. A free draining control column with no sand cover was also used. During each cycle, water table elevations were controlled by fixing the pressure at the column base and drainage water was collected and analyzed for pH and Eh, major ions, and dissolved metals (Fe, Zn, Cu, Pb, and Mg). The columns were simulated using the multi-component reactive transport model MIN3P which solves the coupled nonlinear equations for transient water flow, O₂ diffusion, advective–dispersive transport and kinetic geochemical reactions. Physical properties and mineralogical compositions for the material layers were obtained from independent laboratory data. The simulated and observed data showed that as the water table elevation increased, the effluent pH became more neutral and SO₄ and dissolved metal concentrations decreased by factors on the order of 10²–10³. It is concluded that water table depths less than or equal to one-half of the air entry value (AEV) can keep mine tailings sufficiently saturated over the long term, thus reducing sulfide oxidation and AMD production.     

Element discharge from pyritic mine tailings at limited oxygen availability in column experiments

Sulfide mineral oxidation in mine tailings deposits poses a long term threat to surrounding ground water and surface waters. Soil or water cover remediation aims at reducing the rate of sulfide mineral oxidation by decreasing the O₂ ingress rate. In this study, the authors addressed the rate of sulfide oxidation and pH buffering in ∼33 months long, well-controlled laboratory studies of water saturated columns of sulfidic mine tailings from the Kristineberg site in Sweden at reduced O₂ availability. The element discharge rates slowly declined towards a quasi-steady state over hundreds of days. Non-reactive tracer tests showed an anomalously large dispersion, indicating strong flow heterogeneity, possibly including preferential flow and/or stagnant water zones. Congruent dissolution of pyrite and sphalerite by injected oxidants (dissolved O₂ and Fe(III)) adequately explained the discharge rate of Fe, S and Zn at quasi-steady state. Arsenic, Pb and Cu were partly retained in the tailings. Base cation discharge rates, and thus pH buffering, were apparently controlled by the rate of acidity production, with actual pH levels, available mineral surface area, and water residence times being of less importance.     

Geochemical changes during neutralisation of acid mine drainage in a dynamic mountain stream, New Zealand

The Mangatini Stream drains a coal mining area in the mountains of northwestern South Island of New Zealand. Abundant rainfall on pyritic rocks yields acid mine drainage (AMD) to the stream, which flows through a steep gorge at discharges that rapidly increase from <1 to >100 m³/s during frequent rain events. The AMD is treated with finely ground limestone, which is discharged as a slurry at a point in the middle of the gorge. The limestone slurry mixes and reacts with the AMD during flow ∼4 km downstream over ∼12 h. Neutralisation reactions increase stream pH from near 3 (untreated Mangatini Stream water impacted by AMD) to 5–6 in the first 250 m downstream, although mixing is commonly incomplete in this zone. Large stream discharge volumes in rain events dilute the neutralising material input, thus driving the pH back towards 4 downstream of treatment. More complete neutralisation is achieved 4 km downstream, even in major rain events, and pH can rise to >7. Partial neutralisation is sufficient to remove most of the dissolved Fe(III) (typically ∼30 mg/L) from the Mangatini Stream in the first 10 m, and remaining dissolved Fe is essentially all Fe(II), which decreases over time as it oxidises and precipitates. Dissolved Al in the Mangatini Stream (typically ∼50 mg/L) decreases steadily downstream over ∼100 m in the limestone mixing zone. Precipitated Fe and Al form amorphous oxyhydroxides that are transported as suspended solids and deposited on the stream bed with excess limestone in zones of low flow velocity. Dissolved Zn is removed from solution by adsorption to Fe oxyhydroxide when pH reaches ∼5, but dissolved Ni remains in solution despite the neutralisation process. Gypsum precipitation occurs throughout the limestone mixing zone, resulting in at least 30% decrease in dissolved . Minor ettringite forms in the first 100 m, but then probably redissolves. The limestone dosing system is an effective method of neutralising the effects of AMD and removing most dissolved metals in a steep mountain stream with frequent rain events where this dynamic environment places many constraints on treatment options.     

Environmental geochemistry of the derelict Webbs Consols mine,New South Wales,Australia

Small-scale mining and mineral processing at the Webbs Consols polymetallic PbZnAg deposit in northern New South Wales, Australia has caused a significant environmental impact on streams, soils and vegetation. Unconfined waste rock dumps and tailings dams are the source of the problems. The partly oxidised sulphidic mine wastes contain abundant sulphides (arsenopyrite, sphalerite, galena) and oxidation products (scorodite, anglesite, smectite, Fe-oxyhydroxides), and possess extreme As and Pb (wt% levels) and elevated Ag, Cd, Cu, Sb and Zn values. Contemporary sulphide oxidation, hardpan formation, crystallisation of mineral efflorescences and acid mine drainage generation occur within the waste repositories. Acid seepages (pH 1.9–6.0) from waste dumps, tailings dams and mine workings display extreme As, Pb and Zn and elevated Cd, Cu and Sb contents. Drainage from the area is by the strongly contaminated Webbs Consols Creek and although this stream joins and is diluted by the much larger Severn River, contamination of water and stream sediments in the latter is evident for 1–5 km, and 12 km respectively, downstream of the mine site. The pronounced contamination of local and regional soils and sediments, despite the relatively small scale of the former operation, is due to the high metal tenor of abandoned waste material and the scarcity of neutralising minerals. Any rehabilitation plan of the site should include the relocation of waste materials to higher ground and capping, with only partial neutralisation of the waste to pH 4–5 in order to limit potential dissolution of scorodite and mobilisation of As into seepages and stream waters.     

Neutralisation of acid mine drainage with alkaline industrial residues: laboratory investigation using batch-leaching tests

This study constitutes a first stage of the elaboration of a concept for setting up capillary barriers composed of reactive tailings and alkaline industrial wastes. The aim of this barrier is (1) short-term mitigation by neutralising acid produced by Fe sulfides and (2) long-term mitigation by stabilisation of secondary products. The alkaline industrial wastes, cement kiln dust (CKD) and red mud bauxite (RMB), are used to produce neutral conditions. A series of time-controlled static leaching experiments were performed. Samples of reactive tailings were prepared containing 0, 2, 5, and 10% alkaline material. The water:solid ratios were also varied (3:1, 6:1, and 20:1) in order to characterise the geochemical balance between liquid and solid phases. The data are used to discern whether mineral solubility controls exist for particular ions. The pH results show that the use of 5% CKD, 10% CKD and 10% (CKD+RMB) allows neutral pH conditions to be maintained in the reactive layer. At these percentages, the concentrations of Al, Fe, Cu, Zn and SO₄ in solution are significantly reduced compared with those obtained with the reactive tailings only. Aluminum concentrations are principally controlled by secondary phases like boehmite and gibbsite; Fe, by goethite and ferrihydrite; Cu and Zn, by hydroxides. Calcium and SO₄ concentrations are controlled by precipitation of gypsum. The concentrations of Na and K are found not to be controlled by mineral solubility.     

Metal extractability in acidic and neutral mine tailings from the Cartagena-La Unión Mining District (SE Spain)

Mine tailings are ubiquitous in the landscapes of mined areas. Metal solubilities were compared in two chemically distinct mine tailings from the old Mining District of Cartagena-La Unión (SE Spain). One of the tailings was acidic (pH 3.0) with 5400 mg/kg Zn, 1900 mg/kg As and 7000 mg/kg Pb. The other was neutral (pH 7.4) with 9100 mg/kg Zn, 5200 mg/kg Pb and 350 mg/kg As. In samples from the acidic tailings, more than 15% of the Zn and 55% of the Cd were extractable with 0.1 M NaNO₃, and distilled water. In the neutral tailings, using the same reagents, less than 1% of the metals were extractable. A sequential extraction procedure revealed that the sum of the residual and the Fe oxide fractions of Cu, Zn and Pb comprised 80–95% in the acidic tailings and 70–90% in the neutral tailings. The acidic mine tailings had a higher metal solubility, resulting in more metal leaching in the short-term, but also a higher fraction of inert metal. In contrast, in the neutral tailings, the metals were evenly distributed between, oxides and the residual fraction. This implies lower metal mobility in the short-term, but that metal mobility may increase in the long-term. When applied to mine tailings, sequential extractions may provide misleading results because the strong cation exchange capacity of some extractants may induce pH changes and thereby significantly change metal solubility.     

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.     

Arsenic attenuation in tailings at a former Cu–W–As mine,SW Finland

Nearly half a century after mine closure, release of As from the Ylöjärvi Cu–W–As mine tailings in groundwater and surface water run-off was observed. Investigations by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), electron microprobe analysis (EMPA), synchrotron-based micro-X-ray diffraction (μ-XRD), micro-X-ray absorption near edge structure (μ-XANES) and micro-extended X-ray absorption fine structure (μ-EXAFS) spectroscopy, and a sequential extraction procedure were performed to assess As attenuation mechanisms in the vadose zone of this tailings deposit. Results of SEM, EMPA, and sequential extractions indicated that the precipitation of As bearing Fe(III) (oxy)hydroxides (up to 18.4 wt.% As₂O₅) and Fe(III) arsenates were important secondary controls on As mobility. The μ-XRD, μ-XANES and μ-EXAFS analyses suggested that these phases correspond to poorly crystalline and disordered As-bearing precipitates, including arsenical ferrihydrite, scorodite, kaňkite, and hydrous ferric arsenate (HFA). The pH within 200 cm of the tailings surface averaged 5.7, conditions which favor the precipitation of ferrihydrite. Poorly crystalline Fe(III) arsenates are potentially unstable over time, and their transformation to ferrihydrite, which contributes to As uptake, has potential to increase the As adsorption capacity of the tailings. Arsenic mobility in tailings pore water at the Ylöjärvi mine will depend on continued arsenopyrite oxidation, dissolution or transformation of secondary Fe(III) arsenates, and the As adsorption capacity of Fe(III) (oxy)hydroxides within this tailings deposit.     

Carbon dioxide treatment of low density sludge: a new remediation strategy for acidic mining lakes?

Acid mine drainage (AMD) is treated at several points in the Lausitz lignite mine district (Saxony, Germany) in treatment plants. The remaining alkaline low density sludge (LDS) was deposited in acidic mining lakes without having an impact on the lake water quality. Batch experiments show that alkalinity can be raised using LDS from acid mine drainage treatment plants together with CO₂. Batch experiments were conducted using lake water and deposited LDS from the mining lake Spreetal-Nordost with varying concentrations of CO₂. Also the duration of gas contact as well as the LDS–water ratio was changed in the batch experiments. The gas contact time and the partial pressure of CO₂ are the relevant parameters controlling the alkalinity in the lake water at the end of the experiments. The Ca and Mg concentrations of the pore water are relevant for higher pH values. Therefore, dissolved CO₂ can form bicarbonate or carbonate complexes, thus alkalinity rises. A second factor for alkalinity gain is the calcite content of the sludge, because CO₂ triggers the dissolution of carbonates. Therefore, unused calcite in the sludge can raise the alkalinity more effectively by the application of carbon dioxide. Furthermore, it was shown that remobilization of trace elements will not affect the water quality.     

Geological analogue for circumneutral pH mine tailings: implications for long-term storage,Macraes Mine,Otago, New Zealand

Tailings from the Macraes Au mine cyanidation process are stored in an impoundment about 0.6 km² and 80 m deep whose pH is maintained near 8 by the neutralizing capacity of the gangue minerals. The tailings are sandy (>50 μm particles), have a hydraulic conductivity of about 10⁻² m/day, and contain 0.1–1.0 wt.% S and 0.1–1.5 wt.% graphitic C from the primary deposit. Concentrations of As in the pore water of the mixed tailings, which are a combination of various tailings types, range from 0.1 to 20 ppm, HCO₃^- is 100 to 200 ppm, and dissolved SO₄ is 100–1700 ppm. The mixed tailings will be stored in this impoundment in perpetuity after mining ceases. Confidence in the long-term pH stability of these tailings can be gained from examination of mineralogically and chemically similar geological analogues in the immediate vicinity. A sequence, typically about 5 m thick, of sands and gravels derived from the Macraes mineralized zone 12–28 ka ago contains rounded detrital sulfide mineral grains which are unoxidized despite their close proximity to the surface and the occasional incursion of oxygenated waters. These sediments have a hydraulic conductivity of about 10⁻⁴ m/day. Saturating water pH is currently 7–8. Sands with 0.2–0.8 wt.% organic C host SO₄-reducing bacteria (SRB), and local cementation by authigenic framboidal pyrite has occurred. SRB were found in water-saturated sediments with decreased hydraulic conductivity and alkaline and anoxic conditions. These bacteria are involved in the formation of authigenic framboidal pyrite, reducing the cycling of dissolved Fe in the sediments. Carbon is not a limiting factor in this process as organic matter is present in the sandstone and ground water contains up to 180 ppm HCO₃^-. Comparison of the 28 ka old sediments with the modern tailings suggests that the chemical behaviour of the two will be similar, possibly with the crystallization of authigenic pyrite in the tailings over the long term. As long as the present slightly anoxic and circumneutral pH environmental conditions are maintained in the mixed tailings impoundment, sulfide decomposition and acidification are unlikely.     

Hydrochemistry of superficial waters in the Adoria mine area (Northern Portugal): environmental implications

The purpose of this work is to characterize the hydrochemical behavior of acid mine drainages (AMD) and superficial waters from the Adoria mine area (Northern Portugal). Samples of superficial and mine drainage water were collected for one year, bi-monthly, with pH, temperature, Eh, conductivity and HCO₃ determined in situ with chemical analyses of SO₄, Ca, K, Mg, Na, Cl, Ag, As, Bi, Co, Cu, Fe, Mn, Ni, Pb, Zn and Cd. In the mine, there are acidic waters, with low pH and significant concentrations of SO₄, and metals (Fe, Mn, Zn, Cu, Pb, Cd and Ni), while in the superficial natural stream waters outside the mine, the pH is close to neutral, with low conductivity and lower metal concentrations. The stream waters inside the mine influence are intermediate in composition between AMD and natural stream waters outside the mine influence. Principal Component Analysis (PCA) shows a clear separation between AMD galleries and AMD tailings, with tailings having a greater level of contamination.     

Reaction time scales for sulphate reduction in sediments of acidic pit lakes and its relation to in-lake acidity neutralisation

Sulphate reduction is a key reaction to remove acidity from water bodies affected by acid mine drainage. In this study, ³⁵SSO₄²⁻ reduction rates determined in sediments from a variety of acidic lignite pit lakes have been compiled. The rates decreased with pH and are strongly dependent on carbon substrate. The rates were fitted to a Monod model adapted to the specific conditions of acidic pit lakes (APL) sediments: i) sulphate reduction rate is independent from sulphate concentration due to the high concentration typically observed in APL systems (10–30 mM), ii) the observed pH dependency of sulphate reduction was accounted for by an inhibition function F_inihibt which considers the occurrence of low cell numbers of sulphate reducing bacteria at pH values < 4.75. Simulated steady-state sulphate reduction rates are predicting measured rates at carbon substrate concentrations of <10 μM. Estimated steady-state reaction time scales range between 2.4 h at pH 7 and 41 h at pH 3 at a carbon half-saturation constant of K_C−S = 100 μM and are increasing with increasing K_C−S values. Time scales at low pH are too long to allow for significant generation of alkalinity during the time of residence of groundwater passing through the top and hence most reactive zone of APL sediments which has important implications for the remediation of acidic pit lakes.     

尾矿中硫化物风化氧化模拟实验研究

为防治矿山尾矿造成环境污染，对方铅矿，闪锌矿，磁黄铁矿、黄铜矿，黄铁矿进行了风化氧化实验研究，结果显示，硫化物的氧化速率顺序为：方铅矿＞闪锌矿＞磁黄铁矿＞黄铜矿＞黄铁矿，侵蚀液pH值越低，硫化物氧化速率越大，有机物存在对硫化物氧化起缓冲和抑制作用。     

Metal and metalloid leaching from tailings into streamwater and sediments in the old Ag–Pb–Zn Terramonte mine,northern Portugal

Tailings deposited over the Castanheira, a stream which flows through the old Ag–Pb–Zn Terramonte mine area, showed a great potential environmental risk due to sulphide weathering, facilitated by the tailings–water interaction. The high concentrations of Al, Fe, Pb and Zn in the tailings are associated with the exchangeable, reducible and sulphide fractions and suggest sphalerite and pyrite occurrences. Oxidation of pyrite is responsible for the low pH values (3.38–4.89) of the tailings. The water from the Castanheira stream is not suitable for human consumption due to high concentrations of SO₄ ^2?, Mn, Al, Cd, Ni, and Pb. The lowest concentrations of metals and metalloids were detected in downstream stretches of the Castanheira. However, As, Fe and Zn in deeper sediments tend to increase downstream. Significant concentrations of trivalent forms of arsenic were detected in water samples. In downstream stretches of the Castanheira, some free ions (Fe²⁺, Mn²⁺ and Zn²⁺) also predominate and the water is saturated with ferrihydrite, goethite, hematite, lepidocrosite and magnetite.     

Using sewage sludge as a sealing layer to remediate sulphidic mine tailings: a pilot-scale experiment, northern Sweden

At the Kristineberg mine, northern Sweden, sulphidic mine tailings were remediated in an 8-year pilot-scale experiment using sewage sludge to evaluate its applicability as a sealing layer in a composite dry cover. Sediment, leachate water, and pore gas geochemistry were collected in the aim of determining if the sludge was an effective barrier material to mitigate acid rock drainage (ARD) formation. The sludge was an effective barrier to oxygen influx as it formed both a physical obstruction and functioned as an organic reactive barrier to prevent oxygen to the underlying tailings. Sulphide oxidation and consequential ARD formation did not occur. Sludge-borne trace elements accumulated in a reductive, alkaline environment in the underlying tailings, resulting in an effluent drainage geochemistry of Cd, Cu, Pb and Zn below 10 μg/L, high alkalinity (810 mg/L) and low sulphate (38 mg/L). In contrast, the uncovered reference tailings received a 0.35-m deep oxidation front and typical ARD, with dissolved concentrations of Cd, Zn and sulphate, 20.8 μg/L, 16,100 μg/L and 1,390 mg/L, respectively. Organic matter degradation in the sludge may be a limiting factor to the function of the sealing layer over time as 85 % loss of the organic fraction occurred over the 8-year experimental period due to aerobic and anaerobic degradation. Though the cover may function in the short to medium term (100 years), it is unlikely to meet the demands of a long-term remedial solution.     

Dissolution of calcitic marble and dolomitic rock in high iron concentrated acid mine drainage: application to anoxic limestone drains

Oxidation of sulphide mining waste can generate acid mine drainage (AMD) that has the potential to seriously affect the ecosystems. Acid mine drainage is characterised by a high acidity, high concentrations of sulphates and metals. To reduce the environmental impacts due to AMD, neutralisation using limestone drains is an option proposed in the literature and used around the world. The present study focuses on the influence of the carbonate rock mineralogy and their particle size on the neutralising capacity. The tests were performed in two different anoxic conditions: in batch reactors, and in columns having a hydraulic retention time of 15?h. The results showed that the neutralisation capacity of calcite was more important than for dolomitic rock, and smaller particle size gave higher alkalinity production (fine calcite dissolved faster in contact with AMD). A characterization of metal precipitate in sludge and in limestone coating was performed and demonstrated that gypsum, lepidocrocite and goethite were the predominant secondary minerals to be formed. Finally, this study underlines that anoxic limestone drain cannot be used alone to treat high iron concentrated AMD.     

Geochemical transport modelling of drainage from experimental mine tailings cells covered by capillary barriers

The use of covers with capillary barrier effects (CCBEs) for reducing acid mine drainage (AMD) from sulphidic mine tailings is simulated using the MIN3P finite volume model for coupled groundwater flow, O₂ diffusion and multi-component reactive transport. The model is applied to simulate five pilot-scale in situ test cells containing reactive tailings from the Manitou mine site, Val d’Or, Que., Canada. Four of the cells were constructed with CCBEs over the tailings, while the fifth tailings cell was left uncovered. Observed and simulated discharge from the base of each cell showed that the capillary barrier covers significantly reduced sulphide oxidation and AMD. Compared to acidic discharge from the uncovered cell, discharge from the four CCBE-covered cells had neutral pH levels and 1–7 orders of magnitude lower concentrations of SO₄, Fe, Zn, Cu and Al. The simulations showed that the moisture retaining layer of the CCBEs reduced AMD by inhibiting O₂ diffusion into the underlying reactive wastes. Provided the moisture-retention layer of the CCBE remains close to saturation, its thickness had a relatively minor effect. Under such near-saturated conditions, O₂ availability is limited by its diffusion rate through the bulk porous medium and not by the diffusion rate through the oxidized grain shells. The model is providing important new insights for comparing design alternatives for reducing or controlling AMD.