Geochemical evaluation of sulfidic tailings and cemented paste backfill with respect to environmental impacts


Koç E., Cihangir F., Erçıkdı B.

Managing Mining and Minerals Processing Wastes: Concepts, Design, and Applications, Chongchong Qi,Craig H. Benson, Editör, Elsevier Science, Oxford/Amsterdam , London, ss.47-70, 2023

  • Yayın Türü: Kitapta Bölüm / Araştırma Kitabı
  • Basım Tarihi: 2023
  • Yayınevi: Elsevier Science, Oxford/Amsterdam 
  • Basıldığı Şehir: London
  • Sayfa Sayıları: ss.47-70
  • Editörler: Chongchong Qi,Craig H. Benson, Editör
  • Karadeniz Teknik Üniversitesi Adresli: Evet

Özet

In order to meet the increasing raw material needs of developing and growing economies, millions of tons of mines are processed every year. Accordingly, billion tons of mine wastes are generated. Sulfur-containing mine wastes (tailings) can oxidize and acidify the environment causing acid mine drainage (AMD). AMD can lead to the dissolution of heavy (toxic) metals and their transportation to large areas with surface/underground waters. In this way, AMD can damage the environment and ecosystem. Therefore, it is of great importance to determine the AMD potential of sulfur-containing mine wastes/tailings. AMD potential is estimated from the relation of acid production (AP) and neutralization potential (NP) which were determined by static and kinetic tests. Mine wastes/tailings with a strong AP potential are classified as hazardous mine wastes. Such materials are stored in stockpiles, tailings dams or underground production cavities as backfill considering the specified legal regulations. Static tests are simple, inexpensive, and short-term tests which are also the first step in the characterization of sulphidic wastes. Kinetic tests are performed based on the static test results. Kinetic tests are extensive, time-consuming, expensive, and special tests that can simulate ambient conditions. This study overviews the i) environmental effects of sulfur-containing mine wastes, ii) determination and characterization of AMD using static and kinetic tests, iii) cemented paste backfill and acid mine drainage, and iv) the studies performed on the acid mine drainage potential of cemented paste backfill.