Records |
Author |
Eger, P.; Melchert, G.; Wagner, J. |
Title |
Using passive treatment systems for mine closure – A good approach or a risky alternative? |
Type |
Journal Article |
Year |
2000 |
Publication |
Min. Eng. |
Abbreviated Journal |
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Volume |
52 |
Issue |
9 |
Pages |
78-83 |
Keywords |
Pollution and waste management non radioactive Groundwater problems and environmental effects geological abstracts: environmental geology (72 14 2) geomechanics abstracts: excavations (77 10 10) acid mine drainage decommissioning mine waste open pit mine pH remediation |
Abstract |
In 1991, LTV Steel Mining decided to close an open-pit taconite mine in northeastern Minnesota using a passive-treatment approach consisting of limiting infiltration into the stockpiles and wetland treatment to remove metals. More than 50 Mt (55 million st) of sulfide-containing waste had been stockpiled adjacent to the mine during its 30 years of operation. Drainage from the stockpiles contained elevated levels of copper, nickel, cobalt and zinc. Nickel is the major trace metal in the drainages. Before the closure, the annual median concentrations ranged from 1.5 to 50 mg/L. Copper, cobalt and zinc are also present but they are generally less than 5% of the nickel values. Median pH levels range from 5 to 7.5, but most of the stockpile drainages have pH levels greater than 6.5. Based on the chemical composition of each stockpile, a cover material was selected. The higher the potential that a stockpile had to produce acid drainage, the lower the permeability of the capping material required. Covers ranged from overburden soil removed at the mine to a flexible plastic liner. Predictions of the reduction in infiltration ranged from 40% for the native soil to more than 90% for the plastic liner. Five constructed wetlands have been installed since 1992. They have removed 60% to 90% of the nickel in the drainages. Total capital costs for all the infiltration reduction and wetlands exceeded $6.5 million, but maintenance costs are less than 1% of those for an active treatment plant. Because mine-drainage problems can continue for more than 100 years, the lower annual operating costs should pay for the construction of the wetland-treatment systems within seven years. |
Address |
P. Eger, Minnesota Dept. of Natural Rsrces., St. Paul, MN, United States |
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0026-5187 |
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Using passive treatment systems for mine closure – A good approach or a risky alternative?; 2285715; United-States 19; Geobase |
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CBU @ c.wolke @ 17539 |
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392 |
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Author |
Zinck, J.M.; Aube, B.C. |
Title |
Optimization of lime treatment processes |
Type |
Journal Article |
Year |
2000 |
Publication |
CIM Bull. |
Abbreviated Journal |
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Volume |
93 |
Issue |
1043 |
Pages |
98-105 |
Keywords |
Pollution and waste management non radioactive Groundwater problems and environmental effects geological abstracts: environmental geology (72 14 2) geomechanics abstracts: excavations (77 10 10) acid mine drainage buffering lime Canada |
Abstract |
Lime neutralization technology is widely used in Canada for the treatment of acid mine drainage and other acidic effluents. In many locations, improvements to the lime neutralization process are necessary to achieve a maximum level of sludge densification and stability. Conventional lime neutralization technology effectively removes dissolved metals to below regulated limits. However, the metal hydroxide and gypsum sludge generated is voluminous and often contains less than 5% solids. Despite recent improvements in the lime neutralization technology, each year, more than 6 700 000 m3 of sludge are generated by treatment facilities operated by the Canadian mining industry. Because lime neutralization is still seen as the best available approach for some sites, sludge production and stability are expected to remain as issues in the near future. Several treatment parameters significantly impact operating costs, effluent quality, sludge production and the geochemical stability of the sludge. Studies conducted both at CANMET and NTC have shown that through minor modifications to the treatment process, plant operators can experience a reduction in operating costs, volume of sludge generated, metal release to the environment and liability. This paper discusses how modifications in plant operation and design can reduce treatment costs and liability associated with lime treatment. |
Address |
J.M. Zinck, CANMET, Mining and Mineral Sciences Lab., Natural Resources Canada, Ottawa, Ont., Canada |
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0317-0926 |
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Optimization of lime treatment processes; 2291672; Canada 17; Geobase |
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CBU @ c.wolke @ 17537 |
Serial |
183 |
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Author |
Landers, J. |
Title |
Bioremediation method could cut cost of treating acid rock drainage |
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Journal Article |
Year |
2006 |
Publication |
Civil Engineering |
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76 |
Issue |
7 |
Pages |
30-31 |
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Pollution and waste management non radioactive geological abstracts: environmental geology (72 14 2) bioremediation cost benefit analysis water treatment acid mine drainage pollutant removal lake water heavy metal Lawrence County South Dakota South Dakota United States North America |
Abstract |
The Gilt Edge Mine in South Dakota's Lawrence County was a gold mine that was abandoned later when its recent owner went bankrupt. Seeking a cost-effective method for treating millions of gallons of acid rock drainage (ARD), CDM partnered with Green World Science, Inc. (GWS) of Boise, Idaho, for the development of an in situ bioremediation process that can be used to remove metals from pit lake water. Recent testing revealed that the in situ bioremediation method can successfully remove metals from highly acidic water without the need to construct costly water treatment facilities. |
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0885-7024 |
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Trade-; Bioremediation method could cut cost of treating acid rock drainage; 2896866; United-States; Geobase |
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CBU @ c.wolke @ 17490 |
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318 |
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Author |
Bell, A.V.; Nancarrow, D.R. |
Title |
Salmon and mining in northeastern New Brunswick (a summary of the northeastern New Brunswick mine water quality program) |
Type |
Journal Article |
Year |
1974 |
Publication |
CIM Bull. |
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Volume |
67 |
Issue |
751 |
Pages |
44-53 |
Keywords |
mining water pollution water treatment salmon mining mine water quality programme mineral resources fishery resource metal mining Computers and Control Manufacturing and Production |
Abstract |
It was aimed toward developing solutions to major water quality problems in the base metal mining regions of northeastern New Brunswick and specifically toward insuring that the extremely valuable fishery resources and aquatic environments of the region could be maintained in the face of existing and future base metal mining developments. The program analyzed in detail the fishery resources of the region, their water quality requirements, the mineral resources of the region and the many aspects of mining waste management at each phase of mine development. This paper describes the reasons for the initial concern and the approach adopted toward finding a solution. It briefly summarizes the important findings and recommendations made to support the conclusion that the fishery resource can be maintained and co-exist with current and future base metal mining developments in the region |
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0317-0926 |
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Salmon and mining in northeastern New Brunswick (a summary of the northeastern New Brunswick mine water quality program); 771627; Journal Paper; SilverPlatter; Ovid Technologies |
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CBU @ c.wolke @ 16788 |
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457 |
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Author |
Goodman, G.T. |
Title |
Ecology and the problems of rehabilitating wastes from mineral extraction |
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Journal Article |
Year |
1974 |
Publication |
Proceedings of the Royal Society of London, Series A Mathematical and Physical Sciences |
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339 |
Issue |
1618 |
Pages |
373-387 |
Keywords |
minerals mining natural resources pollution waste disposal ecology mineral extraction visual ugliness health hazards safety hazards reclamation process development planning site purchase land clearance land forming stabilisation drainage revegetation rehabilitation of wastes Physics Manufacturing and Production |
Abstract |
Environmental problems which may be associated with mineral extraction are: (a) the visual ugliness of open pits, waste tips, and working mess; (b) the nuisance of wind- and water-borne dusts; (c) the health hazards to wildlife, crops, livestock and man of locally increased environmental burdens of potentially toxic metals (e.g. Pb, Cd, As, Zn, Cu, Ni) derived from wind- and water-borne mine dusts and smelter smokes; (d) the safety hazards of surface subsidence and tip-slippage from deep-mining. All these disamenities can be cured or reduced by the reclamation process which involves a blend of socio-economic, legal, planning, civil engineering and biological expertise devoted to development planning, site purchase, land clearance, land forming, stabilization, drainage and revegetation of the affected site |
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0080-4630 |
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Ecology and the problems of rehabilitating wastes from mineral extraction; 669765; Conference Paper; Journal Paper; SilverPlatter; Ovid Technologies |
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CBU @ c.wolke @ 16789 |
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369 |
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