Division of Information Technology, Engineering and the Environment
Applied Centre for Structural and Synchrotron Studies
Applied Centre for Structural and Synchrotron Studies
ARC Linkage Grant
AMIRA P387B Project
Sponsors: Rio Tinto; PT Freeport; Newcrest; BHP Billiton
Research Contractors: IWRI; EGi; Levay and Co.
Project duration: 2002-2005
Chief Investigators: Roger Smart, Russell Schumann (Levay and Co.),
Stuart Miller (Environmental Geochemistry Int.)
Description:
The acid and dissolved toxic species produced by the oxidation of
sulfide mine waste (rock and tailings) is a major threat to and
management issue for the future of the industry. Improved control of the
pH/time profile) is the primary aim of ARD management. This requires
reliable assessment of the potential for acid production, both total and
with time. The central importance of mineralogical analysis of the waste
materials has been firmly established from single mineral, mixed mineral
and real waste samples including direct correlation of different mineral
assemblages with net acid generation (NAG) and column leach test results
(AMIRA P387A).
The next challenges are to: extend the assessment and validation of
laboratory tests (i.e. MPA, ANC, NAG and column); and to assess the
potential for long-term acid neutralisation from (alumino) silicate
waste minerals.
The AMIRA P387B project will primarily focus on the second challenge;
i.e. assess the potential for long-term acid neutralisation from (alumino)
silicate waste minerals.
Project Generic Research Programs
Acid Neutralising Capacity: Test Improvement
Silicate Mineral Reactions: Neutralising Capacity
Passivation of Sulfide Minerals
Acid Generation Rates
Maximum Potential Acidity: Estimate Improvement
Project Sponsor Waste Research Programs
BHP Billiton Case Studies
