Evaluating applications of bed and fly ash for controlling acid and metalliferous drainage – examples from Tasmanian mine wastes
2016
The use of alkaline materials (eg limestone (CaCO3)), quicklime (CaO) and, more
recently, hydrotalcite (Mg6Al2CO3(OH)16·4(H2O)) to neutralise and control acid and
metalliferous drainage (AMD) is a well-established global practice (Douglas et al,
2010). However, active treatment of AMD using these materials is costly. Alternatively,
alkaline-rich industrial by-products, such as boiler ash produced by paper mills, could
be used. Recent studies (Doye and Duchesne, 2005; Yeheyis, Shang and Yanful, 2009;
Jia, Maurice and Ohlander, 2014; Makitalo, 2015) describe the application of pulp mill
waste for AMD control by experimenting with waste rock and tailings. The success of
the material as a neutraliser was dependant on its physical properties (eg plasticity;
Makitalo, 2015) and chemistry (ie chromium, cadmium and copper content).
Alternative uses for industrial by-products has the potential to be environmentally
beneficial when used in AMD management, with financial advantages offered through
decreased disposal costs and an additional revenue stream through the sale of ash
(Yeheyis, Shang and Yanful, 2009).
In Tasmania, there are approximately 4000 legacy mine sites, 215 of which pose an
environmental threat through AMD risk (Pepper, Roche and Mudd, 2014). A cost-effective,
environmentally sustainable method of AMD treatment is needed. This
research aims to evaluate the AMD mitigation potential of combining boiler ash
(collected from an active paper manufacturing operation in Australia) with sulfidic
mine waste on historic sites; a process yet to be undertaken in Tasmania. Waste rock
and tailings materials with different geochemical properties from across the state will
be tested to determine the most efficient combination of boiler ash and sulfidic mine
waste materials.
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