Acid
rock drainage (ARD), is a major environmental concern for many mining
operations. The problem arises from the exposure of sulfides and, in
particular, pyrite, to air and water, to produce sulfuric acid, metal
sulfates and acid-leached heavy metals. These can be transported through
waste rock dumps, tailings and adits and enter surface and ground waters
where they have potentially damaging biological effects. The cost to
remediate ARD can be extremely high.
The
objective of this program is to develop cost-effective techniques to
predict, prevent and remediate ARD derived from waste rock dumps, tailings,
pit walls and abandoned mines.
Designing Effective Store-release Covers for the Long-Term Containment of Mine Waste - The Role of Vegetation (Stage 2)
Completed Projects
Designing Effective Store-release Covers for the Long-Term Containment of Mine Waste - The Role of Vegetation (Stage 1)
Determination
of the Reasons for the Deterioration of the Rum Jungle
Waste Rock Dump Cover
National
Survey of Extent of Acid Mine Drainage and Potential Future Liability
Management
of Sulfidic Mine Wastes (Stage 1)
