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PHYSICAL SOLUTIONS FOR ACID MINE DRAINAGE AT REMOTE MINE SITES
Citation:
MCCLOSKEY, J., H. JOYCE, J. RUSCHETTI, AND D. R. BLESS. PHYSICAL SOLUTIONS FOR ACID MINE DRAINAGE AT REMOTE MINE SITES. Presented at 14th Annual Mine Design, Operations & Closure Conference, Fairmont, MT, April 23 - 27, 2006.
Impact/Purpose:
To inform the public
Description:
After completing extensive bench-scale testing to determine optimum treatment approaches, the technology has been taken to the field. Preliminary results show that calcium hydroxide precipitates the bulk of the arsenic and zinc; the granular ferric hydroxide removes the rest of the arsenic at a pH of 7.6-7.8 (optimum pH). Apatite is then used in the sequential process as a polishing tool in removing the remaining metals concentrations. This project demonstrates a low maintenance technology using limestone, granular ferric hydroxide, and apatite to remove arsenic, iron, manganese, and zinc from the Susie Mine drainage. EPA Region 8 opened the Susie mine to house the process system. In addition, EPA Region 8 is taking care of the land access agreements and most of the permitting issues. Estimated in-kind services provided are $300,000.