I: Overview of Acid Mine Drainage

Acid mine drainage (AMD) is formed by a series of complex geo-chemical and microbial reactions that occur when water comes into contact with sulphur-containing minerals. This part of the book addresses, amongst others, the following aspects: mining and excavation operations including hydrological processes and their effects on the occurrence of AMD; the prediction and occurrence of AMD; the chemistry of AMD generation; and the associated policies and legislation that have been created to regulate and manage AMD. The environmental and health impacts of AMD are also covered.

Acid Mine Drainage Formation, Dissemination and Control:

Acid Mine Drainage Formation, Dissemination and Control: Mining and Hydrological Perspectives

Willis Gwenzi CONTENTS

  • 1.1 Introduction....................................................................................................4
  • 1.2 Mining Operations and Acid Mine Drainage...........................................6
  • 1.2.1 The Mining Project Cycle.................................................................6
  • 1.2.1.1 Prefeasibility Stage..............................................................6
  • 1.2.1.2 Detailed Feasibility/Exploration Phase...........................6
  • 1.2.1.3 Design and Engineering....................................................6
  • 1.2.1.4 Construction........................................................................7
  • 1.2.1.5 Mine Operation and Management...................................8
  • 1.2.1.6 Mine Decommissioning and Closure..............................9
  • 1.2.2 Hydrological Impacts of Mining.....................................................9
  • 1.2.2.1 Land Clearing and Impervious Surfaces.........................9
  • 1.2.2.2 Vehicular Traffic Movements..........................................10
  • 1.2.2.3 Excavation, Drilling and Blasting...................................10
  • 1.2.2.4 Mine Dewatering via Groundwater Pumping.............11
  • 1.2.2.5 Mineral Processing and Waste/Wastewater

Generation..........................................................................11

  • 1.2.2.6 Mine Decommissioning and Closure............................11
  • 1.2.3 Mining Operations and Acid Mine Drainage Formation..........11
  • 1.2.3.1 Vegetation Clearing and Impervious Surfaces.............12
  • 1.2.3.2 Excavations, Drilling and Blasting.................................12
  • 1.2.3.3 Mine Dewatering..............................................................13
  • 1.2.3.4 Mineral Processing and Waste/Wastewater

Generation..........................................................................13

  • 1.2.3.5 Mine Decommissioning and Closure............................14
  • 1.3 Hydrological Controls on Acid Mine Drainage......................................14
  • 1.3.1 Acid Mine Drainage Generation...................................................14
  • 1.3.2 Dissemination of Acid Mine Drainage.........................................16
  • 1.3.3 Acid Mine Drainage Impacts on Hydrochemistry.....................18
  • 1.3.4 Applications of Hydrology Principles in Acid Mine

Drainage Prevention........................................................................19

  • 1.3.4.1 Wet or Water Covers.........................................................19
  • 1.3.4.2 Evapotranspirative 'Store-Release' Covers....................19
  • 1.4 Future Perspectives on Acid Mine Drainage...........................................20
  • 1.4.1 Effectiveness of Environmental and Social Impact

Assessments......................................................................................20

  • 1.4.2 Rapid Acid Mine Drainage Prediction.........................................20
  • 1.4.3 Acid Mine Prainage Prevention during the Mine

Project Cycle.....................................................................................20

  • 1.4.4 Translating Existing Research into Appropriate Solutions.......21
  • 1.4.5 Acid Mine Drainage Control in Underground Workings.........21
  • 1.4.6 Mapping of Acid Mine Drainage at Country

and Regional Levels........................................................................21

  • 1.4.7 Hydrological Impacts of Mining...................................................21
  • 1.5 Concluding Remarks...................................................................................22

References...............................................................................................................22
 
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