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Srivastave, A., & Chhonkar, P. K. (2000). Amelioration of coal mine spoils through fly ash application as liming material. J. Ind. Res., 59(4), 309–313.
Abstract: The feasibility of fly ash as compared to lime to ameliorate the low pH of acidic coal mine spoils under controlled pot culture conditions are reported using Sudan grass (Sorghum studanens) and Oats (Avena sativa) as indicator crops. It is observed that at all levels of applications, fly ash and lime significantly increase the pH of mine spoils, available phosphorus, exchangeable potassium, available sulphur and also uptake of phosphorus, potassium, sulphur and oven-dried biomass of both these test crops. The fly ash significantly decreases the bulk density of coal mine spoils, but, there is no effect on bulk density due to lime application. However, when the spoils are amended with either fly ash or lime, the root growth occurs throughout the material. Fly ash and lime do not cause elemental toxicities to the plants as evidenced from the dry matter production by the test crops. The results indicate that fly ash to be a potential alternative to lime for treating acidic coal mine spoils.
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Wolkersdorfer, C. (2005). Mine water tracer tests as a basis for remediation strategies. Chemie der Erde, 65(Suppl. 1), 65–74.
Abstract: Mining usually causes severe anthropogenic changes by which the ground- or surface water might be significantly polluted. One of the main problems in the mining industry are acid mine drainage, the drainage of heavy metals, and the prediction of mine water rebound after mine closure. Therefore, the knowledge about the hydraulic behaviour of the mine water within the flooded mine might significantly reduce the costs of mine closure and remediation. In the literature, the difficulties in evaluating the hydrodynamics of flooded mines are well described, but only few tracer tests in flooded mines have been published so far. Most tracer tests linked to mine water problems were related to either pollution of the aquifer or radioactive waste disposal and not the mine water itself. Applying the results of the test provides possibilities f or optimizing the outcome of the source-path-target methodology and therefore diminishes the costs of remediation strategies. Consequently, prior to planning of remediation strategies or numerical simulations, relatively cheap and reliable results for decision making can be obtained via a well conducted tracer test. < copyright > 2005 Elsevier GmbH. All rights reserved.
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Sanders, F., Rahe, J., Pastor, D., & Anderson, R. (1999). Wetlands treat mine runoff. Civil Engineering, 69(1), 53–55.
Abstract: In the late 1890s, silver, lead and zinc deposits were discovered along the headwaters of the Blackfoot River, northeast of Missoula, Mont. Settlers began mining the metals in earnest, and eventually the mines became known as the Upper Blackfoot Mining Complex (UBMC). Many of the mines were operated long enough to supply metals for World War II weaponry, but after the war the mines were abandoned, and by the 1960s, their orange-tainted runoff began to concern both passersby and state officials. In 1991, the state contacted the current owners of several of those mines-including the Mike Horse and the Anaconda-to negotiate a voluntary cleanup. The American Smelting and Refining Co. (ASARCO) and the Atlantic Richfield Co. (ARCO) agreed to remediate the sites' metal-enriched, moderately to severely acidic drainage, which was discharging into the upper Blackfoot River. As part of effort to reclaim the Mike Horse and Anaconda mines, engineers with McCulley, Frick and Gilman Inc. (MFG), Boulder, Colo., developed an integrated, passive wetland treatment system that will take several years to reach full treatment capacity in the high-elevation environment, but will last for decades. (Constructed and restored wetlands have also been part of the remediation of other UBMC mines, such as the Carbonate and Paymaster mines.) The Mike Horse and Anaconda system, designed to meet National Pollutant Discharge Elimination Systems (NPDES) restrictions, concentrates primarily on zinc and iron and, to a lesser extent, on copper, lead and other metals.
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Zinck, J. M., & Aube, B. C. (2000). Optimization of lime treatment processes. CIM Bull., 93(1043), 98–105.
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.
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Kuyucak, N. (2002). Acid mine drainage prevention and control options. CIM Bull., 95(1060), 96–102.
Abstract: Acid mine drainage (AMD) is one of the most significant environmental challenges facing the mining industry worldwide. It occurs as a result of natural oxidation of sulphide minerals contained in mining wastes at operating and closed/decommissioned mine sites. AMD may adversely impact the surface water and groundwater quality and land use due to its typical low pH, high acidity and elevated concentrations of metals and sulphate content. Once it develops at a mine, its control can be difficult and expensive. If generation of AMD cannot be prevented, it must be collected and treated. Treatment of AMD usually costs more than control of AMD and may be required for many years after mining activities have ceased. Therefore, application of appropriate control methods to the site at the early stage of the mining would be beneficial. Although prevention of AMD is the most desirable option, a cost-effective prevention method is not yet available. The most effective method of control is to minimize penetration of air and water through the waste pile using a cover, either wet (water) or dry (soil), which is placed over the waste pile. Despite their high cost, these covers cannot always completely stop the oxidation process and generation of AMD. Application of more than one option might be required. Early diagnosis of the problem, identification of appropriate prevention/control measures and implementation of these methods to the site would reduce the potential risk of AMD generation. AMD prevention/control measures broadly include use of covers, control of the source, migration of AMD, and treatment. This paper provides an overview of AMD prevention and control options applicable for developing, operating and decommissioned mines.
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