EVALUATION
OF ALTERNATE DRY COVERS FOR THE INHIBITION OF ACID MINE DRAINAGE
FROM TAILINGS
Mine Environment Neutral Drainage at CANMET-MMSL |
MEND Project
2.20.1
March 1994
EXECUTIVE
SUMMARY
A basic understanding
of the theoretical concepts which can be applied to prevent or at
least reduce acid mine drainage from tailings through the use of
dry covers has been obtained. Recent research has focussed on evaluating
potential barrier materials. This has produced a multitude of suggestions
with regards to alternate barrier materials and the direction of
future dry covers research. This study reviews dry covers theory
and current research; evaluates potential materials including several
which have not yet been evaluated for use in covers; and after evaluation,
provides recommendations regarding further dry covers research.
The theoretical
concept of dry covers is reviewed and the barriers are classified
as oxygen barriers (moisture retaining), oxygen consuming, or reaction
inhibiting. Potential barrier materials are identified through a
technical literature search; a literature review focussed on forest
product industry wastes; and a search for potential materials that
may be obtained from municipal and industrial waste streams. A short
list of potential materials is developed applying a two stage screening
process which tables technical aspects, cost, and practical application
into consideration.
Potential barrier
materials considered to provide broadly based (country wide) benefit
and a good likelihood for success are listeded. Recommendations
are made regarding the future direction of dry barrier research
and specific research work currently underway.
Potential materials
given a high priority for future research include natural soils,
modified soils, desulphurized tailings, tailings slimes, wood waste,
and paper mill sludge. Materials given a lower priority for future
research include peat, waxes, ashes, and the PHITO layer. Available
barrier materials not requiring additional research are limestone
(mixed into the tailings mass), and synthetic liners.
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