Berg, G. J., & Arthur, B. (1999). Proposed mine water treatment in Wisconsin. In D. Goldsack, N. Belzile, P. Yearwood, & G. J. Hall (Eds.), Sudbury '99; mining and the environment II; Conference proceedings. Sudbury: Sudbury Environmental.
Abstract: Water quality standards are driving wastewater effluent limits to ultra-low levels in the nanogram/L range. Standards are proposed that require discharges to match background water quality. The new ultra-low level standards require cautious sampling techniques, super clean laboratory methods and more advanced treatment technologies. This paper follows a case history through water quality standards for ultra-low metals, laboratory selection, and the design of a wastewater treatment system that can meet the water quality standards which are required to permit a proposed copper and zinc mine in Northern Wisconsin. A high degree of care must be taken when sampling for ultra-low level metals. Both surface water and treated effluent samples present new challenges. Sampling methods used must assure that there are no unwanted contaminants being introduced to the samples. The selection of a laboratory is as critical as the construction of a state of the art wastewater treatment system. Treatment methods such as lime and sulfide precipitation have had a high degree of success, but they do have limitations. Given today's ultra-low standards, it is necessary to assess the ability of reverse osmosis, deionization, and evaporation to provide the high level of treatment required.
|
Peterson, D. E., & Kindley, M. J. (1994). The Golden Cross Mine water management system. New Zealand Mining, 14, 15–21.
Abstract: Because of its location in the sensitive Coromandel Peninsula, strict water management and environmental requirements had to be met on the Golden Cross Mine Project. This led to the development of new technologies for cyanide recovery and the adoption of advanced water management and water treatment systems. This paper discusses the water management and treatment system adopted for contaminated water at Golden Cross. While permit discharge levels must be and are met for mine discharge waters, the ultimate success of the water management system is demonstrated by the results downstream; biological surveys show no changes to the resident aquatic life in the river.
|
Pettit, C. M., Scharer, J. M., Chambers, D. B., Halbert, B. E., Kirkaldy, J. L., & Bolduc, L. (1999). Neutral mine drainage. In D. Goldsack, N. Belzile, P. Yearwood, & G. J. Hall (Eds.), Sudbury '99; mining and the environment II; Conference proceedings. Sudbury: Sudbury Environmental.
Abstract: Acid mine drainage is recognized as a serious environmental issue at mine sites world wide. While sulphate and metal concentrations in acidic drainage can reach exceptionally high levels, these can also be elevated and of concern in neutral drainage from waste rock and tailings. “Neutral mine drainage” (NMD) has not yet received as widespread attention as acid mine drainage (AMD). The oxidation of sulphide minerals and the production of either acidic or neutral contaminated drainage is affected by many factors. This paper examines the specific factors that result in the production of “neutral mine drainage” from mine wastes. Several case studies are presented which involve predictive geochemical modelling to illustrate the possible time frame and magnitude of contaminated neutral drainage.
|
Rees, B., Bowell, R., Dey, M., & Williams, K. (2001). Passive treatment; a walk away solution? Mining Environmental Management, 9(2), 7–8.
|
Schwartz, M. O., & Ploethner, D. (1999). From mine water to drinking water; heavy-metal removal by carbonate precipitation in the Grootfontein-Omatako Canal, Namibia.. Hanover: Bundesanst. fuer Geowiss. und Rohstoffe.
|