Evaluation of static and kinetic prediction test data and comparison with field monitoring data

• Main Author: Sherlock, Elizabeth Jane
• Format: Others
• Language: English
• Published: 2009
• Online Access: http://hdl.handle.net/2429/4398

The Database for Acid Rock Drainage (DBARD) and a detailed study of the tailings impoundment at Gibraltar - McLeese Operations, British Columbia have provided the basis for this study evaluating the ability of Acid Rock Drainage (ARD) prediction data to indicate on-site water quality. Analysis of the database has shown that sites with similar geologic or geographic settings cannot be compared directly, although experience from previous work at other sites can aid new sites in developing waste characterization programs. The static prediction data is dependent on geochemistry of the sample and the prediction method and procedure. Improved methods of data interpretation can account for these factors. Identification of 'indicator" elements can be used to calculate acid generating and neutralization potentials from site specific correlations and be included in kinetic tests and on-site monitoring programs to characterize oxidation and dissolution reactions. The water quality and oxidation/neutralization rates for the DBARD kinetic tests are not predicted by the static test data due to the short time frame of the tests, the time lag to ARD and/or the inaccurate values of the static test data. Kinetic tests need to be initiated as early as possible to allow stable conditions to be established and the maximum amount of time for leaching. Various methods proposed to calculate neutralization depletion rates were shown to provide similar rates. With longer term kinetic tests, the assumption that calculated oxidation/neutralization rates can be extrapolated into the future needs to be verified through additional test work. === Applied Science, Faculty of === Mining Engineering, Keevil Institute of === Graduate