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Abstract: Abstract This review critically examines the effects of AMD from the gold mines of South Africa and available options. We also critically analyse case studies, research gaps, and the challenges and opportunities presented by the AMD. Our assessment indicates the availability of potential technological advancements that might flip the paradigm in favour of less sludge being produced, lower operational costs, and more effective AMD treatment strategies. This has led to the development of long-term plans for AMD treatment technologies and the recovery of important minerals. There is currently a demand for integrated AMD technologies that take a holistic approach to long-term AMD treatment. Reusing water and recovering valuable resources like sulphuric acid, rare earth elements, and other metals have received a lot of attention. Continued study and implementation of such strategies will support sustainable gold mining, address the environmental damage caused by AMD, and optimize resource and revenue-generating potentials. PubDate: 2024-07-26
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Abstract: Abstract Mine permitting requires an analysis of reasonably foreseeable impacts. In pit lake models, precipitates may be invoked to reduce dissolved aqueous concentrations, and thereby perceived groundwater impacts in the event of a throughflow pit lake after mine closure. The phases selected by modelers are generally based on geochemical theory rather than empirical data, and in this context, a review of available information is helpful. The mineralogy of Spanish, German, Czechian, Australian, and USA acidic pit lakes includes schwertmannite, jarosite, alunite, amorphous ferric oxyhydroxide (AFH), ferrihydrite, goethite, hydrobasaluminite, gibbsite, amorphous iron and aluminum oxyhydroxysulfates, gypsum, barite, and clays (kaolinite, dickite, halloysite, and smectite). Conversely, alkaline pit lakes exhibit distinct inorganic precipitation of calcite, ikaite, gaylussite, and siderite entraining metal removal from solutions at pH > 7 with biogenic iron oxyhydroxides and carbonates. Microbial activity facilitates the formation and transformation of metal sulfide precipitates predominantly in alkaline pit lakes but also in acidic water bodies. Therefore, predictive pit lake studies should focus on selecting authigenic precipitates on an empirical basis where possible, or if observed in corresponding environments in the case of permitting a new pit lake, taking into consideration kinetic barriers to mineral precipitation. This study characterized amorphous iron, aluminum, and calcium precipitate with entrained arsenic, manganese, and zinc floc from the previously acidic, now alkaline Lone Tree pit lake. The formerly acidic Liberty pit lake generated primarily gypsum and AFH, while the basic former Cortez pit lake sediment comprised calcite with solid solution Ba, Cd, Mg, Mn, and Zn. PubDate: 2024-07-03
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Abstract: Abstract In the U.S., the state of Pennsylvania has proposed lowering its Mn criterion from 1.0 to 0.3 mg/L. An investigation of the feasibility of meeting this standard with passive treatment was conducted. Existing data from 19 full-scale oxic limestone beds were compiled from literature reports to determine current Mn removal effectiveness and rates. The median system decreased Mn from 20 to 1.7 mg/L at a theoretical retention time of 37 h. Only two passive treatment systems produced effluents with < 0.3 mg/L Mn. In order to explore the capabilities of oxic limestone beds to remove Mn, two experimental oxic aggregate beds were installed at conventional AMD treatment plants and used to experimentally treat a portion of each plant’s final effluent. The Hollywood unit was marginally effective, decreasing Mn on average from 0.584 to 0.281 mg/L with a theoretical retention time (TRT) of 3.7 h. The Brandy Camp unit was highly effective, decreasing Mn from 5.85 to 0.095 mg/L when operated at a TRT of 2.3 h. Effective removal of Mn by the Brandy Camp unit required 7 weeks of aggregate ripening. Average Mn removal rates for the Brandy Camp unit were 22.7 g/d/m2, 15.7 g/d/mt, and 2.5 mg/L/hr of theoretical retention time. The half-time of Mn removal was 25 min. After one year of operation, hydraulic problems associated with the accumulation of iron solids on the surface of the aggregate forced termination of the Brandy Camp unit. The results indicate that the 0.3 mg/L effluent criterion can be achieved with oxic aggregate beds at very short retention times, as long as aggregate permeability is maintained. PubDate: 2024-06-24
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Abstract: Abstract Accurately exploring whether fractures are interconnected and whether water can flow through them, as well as quantitatively describing how underground water systems are affected by mining activities, is crucial for the safe exploitation of mineral resources and for protecting ecological water resources. Traditional groundwater level monitoring and geophysical techniques are unable to visualize many of these mining-triggered effects on the hydrological system, as well as the sources and vertical seepage paths of water inflow. A method combining particle-magnetic heading optical tracking technology (PMHOTT) and an artificial tracer test was proposed to address this problem. This method tracks and calibrates the water flow rate, velocity, direction, and dynamic composition of water flowing into the working face through in-situ monitoring and multi-aquifer tracer penetration flux-time relationship analysis. By analyzing hydrological metrics, the impact of mining activities on the groundwater system and the dynamic changes of the flow field within the effective influence area can be determined. The results indicate that the PMHOTT monitoring data, after correction, overcame the deficiency of insufficient observation boreholes in traditional water level monitoring, and accurately captured flow field changes in the area most affected by mining activities. Meanwhile, by considering the interaction between multiple tracers, we successfully identified the sources of water inflow entering the mine as well as the groundwater seepage path. This study accurately evaluated the development height of water-conducting fractures and quantified groundwater flow time, expanding the applicability of artificial tracer test in the fractured aquifer. This will be useful for predicting and preventing mining water hazards under complex hydrogeological conditions. PubDate: 2024-06-15 DOI: 10.1007/s10230-024-00981-7
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Abstract: Abstract The scarcity of water resources and environmental pollution in the coal mining areas of western China severely restricts high-quality mine development and construction there. Treating mine water as a valuable unconventional water resource for large-scale processing and efficient utilization is a crucial approach. This paper discusses the current status of mine water treatment technology in this region and provides a systematic comparison and analysis of common and emerging treatment technologies for mine water containing suspended solids, high salinity, and fluoride. The paper extensively elaborates on the fundamental principles, process routes, and technical features of these technologies, citing typical engineering cases. It also outlines the challenges that mine water treatment in the coal mining areas of western China is likely to face in the future. Based on the current status of mine water resource utilization in China, various pathways forward are clarified. Finally, this paper presents a scientific reflection and proposed solutions for mine water treatment technology and resource utilization in the coal mining areas of western China, concluding with a prospective outlook on the future development of this field. PubDate: 2024-06-13 DOI: 10.1007/s10230-024-00984-4
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Abstract: Abstract Discriminant analysis was applied to a baseline groundwater quality data set to develop a model for sourcing groundwater inrush into underground mining works. Such inrush events compromise the safety of the working environment and the feasibility of mining; thus, a comprehensive characterization of the hydrogeological system is required. In this study, a statistical model for groundwater sourcing was developed and validated based on a dataset of 179 groundwater chemical analyses related to the “Čukaru Peki” Cu–Au underground mine in eastern Serbia. The studied groundwaters are primarily of low TDS (235–715 mg/L), with a neutral to slightly alkaline pH, while the mine waters are alkaline (pH > 9). The evolution of groundwater chemical composition with depth was observed; Ca–HCO3 water prevails in the shallow zones, transforming to Na–SO4 type at depth. Two discriminant functions were delineated by statistical analysis, explaining 65.3% and 31.2% between-group variability, with SO42−, Na, Al, pH, Sr, Li, and SiO2 identified as grouping factors. The resulting discriminant functions were applied to 11 mine water samples to examine their relationship with the main hydrogeological units. Among the examined groundwater inflow samples, three were classified as having a different origin than the lithological unit at the mine from which the water was sampled, bringing valuable information for planning mitigation measures. The demonstrated approach highlights the importance of comprehensive baseline hydrogeological investigations at mine sites to obtain relevant data for controlling groundwater inrushes during development of the declines and shafts. PubDate: 2024-06-10 DOI: 10.1007/s10230-024-00986-2
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Abstract: Abstract The accumulation of gold mine tailings poses an environmental challenge. The feasibility of reusing this waste to fill underground mines was investigated. The tailings were mixed with Portland cement and water using a one-step method. The fluidity, bleeding rate, setting time, mechanical behavior, water quality analysis, and toxicity characteristics of the leachates with various tailings/cement ratios and slurry concentrations were characterized and assessed. The results show that secondary hydration reactions occurred between the tailings and the cement. The rheological properties, setting/hardening properties, and bleeding rate became less favorable with increases in the tailings/cement ratio and slurry concentrations. The uniaxial compressive strength of the filling materials prepared with a tailings/cement ratio of 4:1 and a slurry concentration of 68% was 0.99 MPa, which met the filling purposes. The water quality index of the leaching solution was acceptable, with the concentrations of copper (Cu2+), zinc (Zn2+), cadmium (Cd2+), lead (Pb2+), total chromium (Cr3+ and Cr6+), hexavalent chromium (Cr6+), beryllium (Be2+), barium (Ba2+), silver (Ag+), selenium (Se2−), nickel (Ni2+), mercury (Hg2+), arsenic (As2+), fluoride (F−), and cyanide all much less than the standard limits. This indicates that gold mine tailings could be used as fill material to reduce waste accumulation without causing any hazards to the environment or human beings. PubDate: 2024-06-03 DOI: 10.1007/s10230-024-00985-3
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Abstract: Abstract A water hazard is one of the greatest dangers in mining and tunneling operations and the issue of predicting water hazard zones has been extensively discussed in the literature. However, the currently used methods require a highly detailed understanding of hydrogeological conditions or have major limitations and often produce unreliable results. This paper describes the use of hydrogeochemical anomalies as an indicator of impending mine water hazard zones. The proposed method uses the concentration of Cl ions in water extracts from Permian rock samples collected from the face of the mine workings. The concentration of Cl ions in the water extracts strongly correlated with the concentration of this ion in the pore solutions extracted from the same rock samples. Additionally, the concentration of Cl ions in the pore solutions exhibited a very strong correlation with the concentration from the Permian leaks. Thus, the decreasing concentration of Cl ions in the water extracts was deemed a reliable signal of an approaching water hazard zone. In the hydrogeological conditions present in the Olkusz-Pomorzany mine, this method enabled the detection of the moment when a water hazard zone was ≈ 200–250 m away. PubDate: 2024-06-03 DOI: 10.1007/s10230-024-00991-5
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Abstract: Abstract About 40 years ago, the U.S. Bureau of Mines developed a simple mine water treatment approach that appears to have largely been forgotten. The in-line aeration and treatment system or more simply, the in-line system (ILS), was designed to treat acid mine drainage (AMD) within existing AMD pipelines. The initial device consisted of two inexpensive off-the-shelf components, a jet pump, which entrains air by Venturi action, and a static mixer, which induces turbulent flow. The system had no moving parts, could easily be assembled on site, and was designed to use the pressure generated by an existing mine water discharge pump. In pilot-scale and full-scale field tests, it was shown to be effective for treating both coal and metal mine drainage, on the surface and underground. Moreover, the iron oxidation kinetics and efficiency of lime consumption far exceeded that which occurred in normal active treatment plants. PubDate: 2024-06-01 DOI: 10.1007/s10230-024-00992-4
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Abstract: Abstract This study reviewed nitrate (NO3−) dynamics in non-acidic dry-zone pit lakes to indicate likely gains, losses, transformations, and trends over time. Nitrate dynamics are more complex in such lakes as many nitrogen transformation and loss processes are inhibited at low pH. However, NO3− dynamics in drier regions present greater potential hazards due to NO3− evapo-concentration. Mine water inputs from in-pit and ex-pit waters elevated with NO3− from dissolution of blasting agents and contact with mine wastes are likely to be the highest concentration NO3− sources for pit lakes. However, groundwater inflows from aquifers with naturally elevated NO3− concentrations can sometimes contribute markedly to pit lake NO3− budgets. Case studies of pit lakes have found that NO3− appears to undergo net removal over time at rates relative to concentration, through processes that tend to be dominated by denitrification and ammonification of NO3−. As a consequence, although pit lakes often contain elevated NO3− concentrations, these concentrations can diminish over the first few years to decades. Longer term concentrations will depend on the rates of more sustained inputs of NO3− over periods of decades to centuries, including nitrogen fixation and surface and groundwater sources. PubDate: 2024-06-01 DOI: 10.1007/s10230-024-00987-1
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Abstract: Abstract Permitting and regulatory obligations require mine operators to periodically report the spatial extent of mine-induced water-level changes, and to provide water-level monitoring data for review, along with explanations of all hydrologic stresses causing water-level trends. This study couples a baseline-estimation method with a curve-fitting trend-analysis approach to determine all natural, mining, and non-mining aquifer stresses affecting water levels in wells. The approach was applied to the Twin Creeks Mine monitoring network in north-central Nevada, USA. Stresses identified in wells were used to delineate the approximate extent of pumping effects and indicated that drawdowns had not coalesced between mining and non-mining pumping areas. Trend-analysis results indicated that 10 study-area well hydrographs have natural trends, and statistical methods identified three of these wells as having statistically significant downward trends. Thus, caution should be used when interpreting the meaning of statistically significant downward trends, because the downward trend may be climate driven rather than pumping related. The curve-matching approach requires the development of a baseline water-level trend to understand expected natural fluctuations. The baseline trend assumes a dynamic-equilibrium natural condition, where long-term net changes in groundwater levels are zero. The baseline trend and trend analysis require a recharge proxy for the study area. This study developed recharge proxies using winter precipitation data, peak reservoir-storage volumes, and metered mine-water discharge to a surface-water channel. The curve-matching approach also can be used to identify and remove erroneous data, reconcile water-level and pumping datasets, or build hydrologic conceptualizations. PubDate: 2024-06-01 DOI: 10.1007/s10230-024-00988-0
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Abstract: Abstract This study characterized metal contamination in the Blesbokspruit River waters, near the coal-mining town of Emalahleni in Mpumalanga, South Africa, using enrichment factors (EFs) and contamination factors (CFs). We investigated the potential of Fe and Al ‘dilution factors’ (stream water divided by overbank sediment concentrations) under base flow hydrological conditions to detect AMD-related trace metal contamination in the study site. Waters of the Blesbokspruit River were characterized by acidic (< 3) to near neutral (≈7) pH, high EC (up to 2240 µS/cm), high sulfate (up to 1530 mg/L), ultra-high degrees of Fe contamination and minor to moderately severe enrichment of trace metals, all of which strongly indicate that the river is affected by AMD. Fe and Al dilution factors showed moderate to strong positive correlations with dissolved trace metals (Co, Ni, Zn, Pb, Cr, and Cd), but not with Cu, which is likely more associated with kaolinite in the study area. In addition, correlation analysis showed that dilution factors were better for detecting aqueous Co and Cd, and comparable for detecting aqueous Ni, relative to stream pH and aqueous Fe and Al. Dilution factors have an advantage over stream pH and aqueous Al and Fe because, once calculated, they can be used to monitor AMD-related trace metal contamination in streams during dry seasons by using only Al and Fe content in sediments. This can be beneficial when preservation methods or storage necessary for water samples are not available. However, the robustness of dilution factors during wet seasons requires further investigation. PubDate: 2024-05-27 DOI: 10.1007/s10230-024-00982-6
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Abstract: Abstract South Africa has a growing population, a relatively dry climate, and abundant mining activity, all of which increase the importance of water management. The Mooiplaas Dolomite Quarry, south east of Pretoria, has been mining metallurgical grade dolomite since 1969, within the productive karst aquifers of the Malmani Subgroup, Transvaal Supergroup. This study was conducted to elucidate the flow of water around the site, including the mine water and groundwater. The site was investigated by sampling precipitation, surface water, groundwater, and mine water for hydrochemical and stable isotope analysis from 2011 to 2017, totalling over 400 samples. Levels of nitrate in groundwater and mine water were marginally above drinking water limits, from explosives residues, and ammonia in the nearby Hennops River was unacceptably high due to municipal sewage outfalls, but otherwise, water quality was very good. Alkalinity from rock weathering, aided by crushing of dolomite, was the main control on water chemistry. Combined analysis of dissolved matter (TDS, nitrate, Mg, etc.) suggested that the dewatering of the mine and resultant recharge from the slimes dams caused an aerated zone of groundwater, which mixed with regional groundwater flowing beneath the site. Stable isotopes, with an evaporated signature from the mine open water bodies, also showed how mine operations cause recharge to groundwater and subsequent seepage back into the pit lakes. The mine appears not to contaminate the regional groundwater; however, mine designs should avoid situations where process water flows via groundwater back into pits, causing excessive dewatering costs. PubDate: 2024-05-23 DOI: 10.1007/s10230-024-00980-8
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Abstract: Abstract Iran is situated in a region with natural bitumen deposits and bitumen mines. This study compared the hydrogeochemical and isotopic composition of groundwater contaminated by abandoned bitumen mines (GCBM) with the deep formation water of oil reservoirs (FWOR). The GCBM was found to be dominated by Ca2+, Na+, SO42−, and Cl−, and is typically characterized by Ca–SO4 type water, in contrast to the Na–Cl type in the FWOR. The δ2HH2O and δ18OH2O isotopes were valuable tools to distinguish the groundwater sources, as the isotope signatures of GCBM and FWOR samples are markedly different. Ionic ratio diagrams, such as Na2+ vs. Cl−, Ca2+ vs. Cl−, and SO42− vs. Cl−, indicate that the groundwater chemistry in the study area is mainly influenced by gypsum and carbonate dissolution due to mining. The concentration of total petroleum hydrocarbons (TPH) ranged from 26.3 to 19,670 µg/L in the GCBM samples. This study confirmed unacceptable levels of groundwater contamination by TPH caused by seepage from abandoned bitumen mines and established a framework for future groundwater remediation efforts in the study area. PubDate: 2024-05-16 DOI: 10.1007/s10230-024-00983-5
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Abstract: Abstract Existing aquifer water abundance evaluation methods employ fixed and constant index weights and overlook variations within major influencing factors as well as interactions among multiple factors. We propose a water abundance index method based on a variable weight model that considers various water abundance influencing factors and their respective weights, and quantitatively determines the weights of the same factor across different state values. This paper establishes a comprehensive system of four categories and 16 subcategories of main influencing factors that describe the distribution pattern of water abundance, considering lithological characters, hydraulic characteristics, structural factors, and geophysical parameters that influence aquifer water abundance. The variable weight model is used along with the K-means clustering method in dynamic clustering to determine the variable weight interval thresholds for each index of the main influencing factor. Additionally, we investigated the construction of the state variable weight vector, determination of weight adjustment parameters, quantitative assessment of the interaction relationship, and relative importance of each main influencing factor in relation to aquifer water abundance. Finally, an evaluation method and mathematical model for the water abundance index based on the variable weight model are developed. This study provides a detailed description of the specific implementation steps of the water abundance index method based on the variable weight model, using the direct water-filled J2z–#2 coal seam roof fissured aquifer in the Xiaojihan coal mine as a case study. The evaluation results were then verified using drainage data from the working face. The findings indicate that a comparison with the traditional constant weight evaluation results demonstrates that the variable weight model better reflects the characteristics of aquifer heterogeneity and achieves higher prediction accuracy. PubDate: 2024-04-02 DOI: 10.1007/s10230-024-00975-5
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Abstract: Abstract The use of mercury in gold mining adversely affects the ecosystems and has raised concerns, especially in specific areas of Colombia. An alternative to the use of mercury involves using the mucilage of plant species for gold separation. Here we present the use of mucilage extracted from Theobroma cacao L pod husks. The coagulant agent can be obtained by: (i) cutting and macerating cocoa pod husks to obtain the mucilage, (ii) mixing the mucilage with water, and (iii) thermally treating the mucilage until a coagulant is obtained. This research showed that the coagulant agent from cocoa pod husks waste can replace mercury use in artisanal small-scale gold mining in Colombia. Our coagulant agent collects impurities, leaving the gold completely free, with a recovery percentage of 95%. Consequently, we can eliminate the use of mercury from the gold beneficiation process and thereby reduce water, soil, and air contamination. Additionally, by using solid waste as a coagulant agent, this becomes a successful case of circular economy. PubDate: 2024-03-16 DOI: 10.1007/s10230-024-00978-2
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Abstract: Abstract Tailings dam breaches (TDBs) and subsequent flows can pose significant risk to public safety, the environment, and the economy. Numerical runout models are used to simulate potential tailings flows and understand their downstream impacts. Due to the complex nature of the breach-runout processes, the mobility and downstream impacts of these types of failures are highly uncertain. We applied the first-order second-moment (FOSM) methodology to a database of 11 back-analyzed historical tailings flows to evaluate uncertainties in TDB runout modelling and conducted a sensitivity analysis to identify key factors contributing to the variability of the HEC-RAS model output, including at different locations along the runout path. The results indicate that prioritizing resources toward advancements in estimating the values of primary contributors to the sensitivity of the selected model outputs is necessary for more reliable model results. We found that the total released volume is among the top contributors to the sensitivity of modelled inundation area and maximum flow depth, while surface roughness is among the top contributors to the sensitivity of modelled maximum flow velocity and flow front arrival time. However, the primary contributors to the sensitivity of the model outputs varied depending on the case study; therefore, the selection of appropriate rheological models and consideration of site-specific conditions are crucial for accurate predictions. The study proposes and demonstrates the FOSM methodology as an approximate probabilistic approach to model-based tailings flow runout prediction, which can help improve the accuracy of risk assessments and emergency response plans. PubDate: 2024-02-21 DOI: 10.1007/s10230-024-00970-w
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Abstract: Abstract The identification of water sources and hydraulic connectivity in different aquifers within coal mines is crucial for effective groundwater management and has important implications for mine safety, water resource conservation, and regional ecological protection. The Dongming opencast coal mine in Hailar City, Inner Mongolia, China, is threatened by groundwater leakage. However, the hydrochemical mechanisms, water sources, and hydraulic connectivity of the different aquifers in this area are still not well understood. In this study, we collected 24 samples from various water sources, including pore water in the Quaternary aquifer (QGW), pore-fissure water in the coal-bearing aquifer (CGW), drainage sump water from the mine pit (DSW), Morigele river water (MRW), and nearby snow water (SNW). These samples were analyzed for major and trace elements, as well as hydrogen (H), oxygen (O), and boron (B) isotope compositions. The results showed that the QGW and MRW hydrochemistry were similar, while the CGW and DSW had comparable characteristics. The H and O isotope analyses revealed that all of the groundwater samples originated from river water, while the B isotope analyses indicated the heterogeneous hydraulic connectivity between the different aquifers and the river. The research findings indicate that mining companies should continuously strengthen the monitoring of surface water and groundwater levels, further investigate the velocity and direction of groundwater flow, and gradually conduct quantitative research on hydraulic connections between surface water and different aquifers. This will provide more scientific basis for the prevention and control of groundwater leakage in mining areas. In this study, a combination of hydrochemical and non-traditional stable isotope geochemical methods was used to investigate the origin of groundwater in open-pit coal mines and its relationship with different water bodies. This represents a new exploration of research ideas and methods. This work has important implications for the study of the origin of groundwater and the measures for leakage prevention and control in open-pit coal mines and underground coal mines worldwide. PubDate: 2024-01-03 DOI: 10.1007/s10230-023-00963-1
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