Mineralogy of mine site neutralising materials: a missing link in AMD control planning
Date
2014
Authors
Gerson, A.R.
Smart, R.
Li, J.
Kawashima, N.
Fan, R.
Zeng, S.
Schumann, R.
Levay, G.
Dielemans, P.
Mc Latchie, P.
Editors
Miller, H.
Preuss, L.
Preuss, L.
Advisors
Journal Title
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Conference paper
Citation
Proceedings of the Eighth Australian Workshop on Acid and Metalliferous Drainage, 2014 / Miller, H., Preuss, L. (ed./s), pp.313-324
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8th Australian Acid and Metalliferous Drainage workshop (8th AMD) (29 Apr 2014 - 2 May 2014 : Adelaide, South Australia)
Abstract
Most mine sites have non-value minerals capable of providing some neutralisation of acid mine (rock or tailings) drainage. They are often not considered or even surveyed in primary site ore assessment for mining value. Where they are considered, standard assessment methods define only total potential acidity or alkalinity of these materials, e.g. ANC/MPA ratio. This does not consider the rates at which acid generating and neutralising reactions may take place, although it is these relative rates in disposal of rock and tailings wastes that determine whether acid and metalliferous drainage occurs. Methods are now available to assess the rates at which neutralisation can be supplied from reactive silicate minerals (additional to carbonates) in on-site waste rock types. Knowledge of both the amount and the rates of acid generation and neutralisation can be used to assess future acid rock drainage liabilities but, more importantly, to plan greenfield or operating dumping to make maximum use of these on-site materials. The complete definition of geochemistry and mineralogy of site materials can provide more effective and reduced-cost management of these mining wastes. Examples where neutralising waste rocks have been identified and assessed at BHP Billiton Mt. Whaleback and Hidden Valley (PNG) are discussed. At Savage River (Tasmania), a chlorite calcite schist waste rock has been used successfully to alleviate serious AMD.
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