Pit lakes: their characteristics and the potential for their remediation |
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Authors: | J M Castro J N Moore |
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Institution: | (1) Montana Bureau of Mines and Geology, Montana Tech of the University of Montana, 1300 West Park Street, Butte, MT 59701, USA e-mail: jcastro@mtech.edu Tel.: +1-406-4964753 Fax: +1-406-4964451, US;(2) Department of Geology, University of Montana, Missoula, MT 59812, USA, US |
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Abstract: | Pit lakes form when open-pit mining operations are discontinued and dewatering ceases. The increase in open-pit metal mining
since the 1970s will lead to the formation of numerous pit lakes over the next 50 years. Many of these lakes will develop
acid sulfate conditions with high levels of dissolved metals. Approaches to remediation of these conditions that have been
recommended include the addition of lime or other alkaline materials and the stimulation of sulfate-reducing bacteria. However,
prevention rather than remediation is probably the preferable approach. Measures to prevent oxidation of mining waste and
wall rocks, including measures to fill pits quickly with water, to inhibit the activity of acidophilic sulfur-oxidizing bacteria,
and to promote anoxic conditions at the lake bottoms may minimize the formation of acids and dissolved metals.
Received: 26 August 1999 · Accepted: 29 October 1999 |
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Keywords: | Mine Pit lake Geochemistry Remediation |
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