Pyrite oxidation related to pyritic minesite spoils and its controls: A review

Pyrite oxidation is considered to be a main contribution to the acidification of minesite spoils and the generation of the Acid Mine Drainage (AMD) which has become the greatest threat to the ecological environment. In this paper, pyrite oxidation and its controls are reviewed with respect to the latest literature. Conceptual model and empirical rate law model with reference to indoor experiments are classified and presented to describe pyrite oxidation in heterogeneous minesite spoil piles. The influences of Thiobacillus (T) ferrooxidans on pyrite oxidation are simply summarized. In order to prevent the generation of the AMD, three approaches including the addition of alkali to minesite spoil, use of dry covers, and coating on the minesite spoil surface, are discussed.