Hubbard, K. L., Darling, G. D., Rao, S. R., & Finch, J. A. (1994). New functional polymers as sorbents for the selective recovery of toxic heavy metals from acid mine drainage. In Special Publication – United States. Bureau of Mines, Report: BUMINES-SP-06B-94 (pp. 273–280). Proceedings of the International land reclamation and mine drainage conference and Third international conference on The abatement of acidic drainage; Volume 2 of 4; Mine drainage.
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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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Banks, D., Younger, P. L., Arnesen, R. - T., Iversen, E. R., & Banks, S. B. (1997). Mine-water chemistry: The good, the bad and the ugly. Environ. Geol., 32(3), 157–174.
Abstract: Contaminative mine drainage waters have become one of the major hydrogeological and geochemical problems arising from mankind's intrusion into the geosphere. Mine drainage waters in Scandinavia and the United Kingdom are of three main types: (1) saline formation waters; (2) acidic, heavy-metal-containing, sulphate waters derived from pyrite oxidation, and (3) alkaline, hydrogen-sulphide-containing, heavy-metal-poor waters resulting from buffering reactions and/or sulphate reduction. Mine waters are not merely to be perceived as problems, they can be regarded as industrial or drinking water sources and have been used for sewage treatment, tanning and industrial metals extraction. Mine-water problems may be addressed by isolating the contaminant source, by suppressing the reactions releasing contaminants, or by active or passive water treatment. Innovative treatment techniques such as galvanic suppression, application of bactericides, neutralising or reducing agents (pulverised fly ash-based grouts, cattle manure, whey, brewers' yeast) require further research.
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Plumlee, G. S. (1995). Mine-drainage waters as potential economic resources. SEG Newsletter, 22, 6–7.
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Younger, P. L., & Cornford, C. (2002). Mine water pollution from Kernow to Kwazulu-Natal; geochemical remedial options and their selection in practice.
Abstract: Pollution by mine drainage is a major problem in many parts of the world. The most frequent contaminants are Fe, Mn, Al and SO (sub 4) with locally important contributions by other metals/metalloids including (in order of decreasing frequency) Zn, Cu, As, Ni, Cd and Pb. Remedial options for such polluted drainage include monitored natural attenuation, physical intervention to minimise pollutant release, and active and passive water treatment technologies. Based on the assessment of the key hydrological and geochemical attributes of mine water discharges, a rational decision-making framework has now been developed for deciding which (or which combinations) of these options to implement in a specific case. Five case studies illustrate the application of this decision-making process in practice: Wheal Jane and South Crofty (Cornwall), Quaking Houses (Co Durham), Hlobane Colliery (South Africa) and Milluni Tin Mine (Bolivia). In many cases, particularly where the socio-environmental stakes are particularly high, the economic, political and ecological issues will prove even more challenging than the technical difficulties involved in implementing remedial interventions which will be robust in the long term. Hence truly “holistic” mine water remediation is a multi-dimensional business, involving teamwork by a range of geoscientific, hydroecological and socio-economic specialists.
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