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Parker, G., Noller, B., & Waite, T. D. (1999). Assessment of the use of fast-weathering silicate minerals to buffer AMD in surface waters in tropical Australia. In D. E. Goldsack, N. Belzile, P. Yearwood, & G. J. Hall (Eds.), Sudbury '99; Mining and the environment II; Conference proceedings.
Abstract: Surface waters in the Pine Creek Geosyncline (located in Australia's “Top End”, defined as the area of Australia north of 15 degrees S) are characterized by their low carbonate buffering capacity. These waters are buffered by silicate weathering and hence are slightly acidic, ranging in pH from 4.0 to 6.0. The Pine Creek Geosyncline contains most of the Top Ends' economic mineral deposits and characteristically shows no correlation between carbonate minerals and sulfidic orebodies hosting gold deposits (unlike uranium deposits). Thus many gold mines do not have ready access to carbonate minerals for buffering acid mine drainage (AMD). It is possible that locally available fast-weathering silicate minerals may be used to buffer AMD seeps. The buffering intensity of silicate minerals exceeds that of carbonate minerals, but their slow dissolution kinetics has ensured that these materials have received little attention in treating AMD. In addition, carbonate mineral dissolution is retarded when contacted with intense AMD solutions due to the formation of surface coatings of iron minerals. The lower pH range of silicate mineral dissolution may prevent the formation of such coatings. The Pine Creek Geosyncline consists of a complex geochemistry, and a number of fast-weathering silicate minerals have been noted in various areas. The difficulty in assessing such minerals for use in buffering AMD is the lack of kinetic data available under conditions prevalent AMD (i.e., low pH solutions saturated with aluminium and silica). This study sets out to evaluate the applicability of using such minerals to treat AMD surface seeps.
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Pettit, C. M., Scharer, J. M., Chambers, D. B., Halbert, B. E., Kirkaldy, J. L., & Bolduc, L. (1999). Neutral mine drainage. In D. Goldsack, N. Belzile, P. Yearwood, & G. J. Hall (Eds.), Sudbury '99; mining and the environment II; Conference proceedings. Sudbury: Sudbury Environmental.
Abstract: Acid mine drainage is recognized as a serious environmental issue at mine sites world wide. While sulphate and metal concentrations in acidic drainage can reach exceptionally high levels, these can also be elevated and of concern in neutral drainage from waste rock and tailings. “Neutral mine drainage” (NMD) has not yet received as widespread attention as acid mine drainage (AMD). The oxidation of sulphide minerals and the production of either acidic or neutral contaminated drainage is affected by many factors. This paper examines the specific factors that result in the production of “neutral mine drainage” from mine wastes. Several case studies are presented which involve predictive geochemical modelling to illustrate the possible time frame and magnitude of contaminated neutral drainage.
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Plumlee, G. S. (1995). Mine-drainage waters as potential economic resources. SEG Newsletter, 22, 6–7.
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Schwartz, M. O., & Ploethner, D. (1999). From mine water to drinking water; heavy-metal removal by carbonate precipitation in the Grootfontein-Omatako Canal, Namibia.. Hanover: Bundesanst. fuer Geowiss. und Rohstoffe.
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Stewart, D., Norman, T., Cordery-Cotter, S., Kleiner, R., Sweeney, E., & Nelson, J. D. (1997). Utilization of a ceramic membrane for acid mine drainage treatment. Tailings and Mine Waste '97, , 453–460.
Abstract: BASX Systems LLC has developed a treatment system based on ceramic membranes for the removal of heavy metals from an acid mine drainage stream. This stream also contained volatile organic compounds that were required to be removed prior to discharge to a Colorado mountain stream. The removal of heavy metals was greater than 99% in most cases. A decrease of 30% in chemicals required for treatment and a reduction by more than 75% in labor over a competing technology were achieved. These decreases were obtained for operating temperatures of less than 5 degrees C. This system of ceramic microfiltration is capable of treating many different types of acid mine waste streams for heavy metals removal.
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