Permeable reactive barriers to treat mine effluents

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Acid Mine Drainage (AMD) is the most serious environmental problem facing the Canadian Mineral Industry today. Acid Mine Drainage results from oxidation of sulphide minerals (e.g. pyrite or pyrrhotite) contained in mine waste or mine tailings. It is characterized by acid effluents rich in heavy metals that are released into the environment. It has been estimated that the total cost of restoration of acid producing mine sites across Canada in the future will be about $6 billion. Every year tens of millions of dollars are spent by mining companies across Canada to neutralize acid mine effluents. On the other hand however, Canada has an extensive metallurgical extractive industry of aluminum that produces every year several million tonnes of highly alkaline residues (red mud) that also represent harmful effects to the environment. In 2007, Canada produced 6 million of tons highly alkaline red mud. A new remediation technology will be tested by the applicant by which the alkaline residues from the aluminum extraction industry will be used to construct permeable reactive barriers (PRB) to treat acid mine effluents. The results of this research project will contribute to the solution of the Acid Mine Drainage problem in one hand and the alkaline aluminum residues on the other, thus benefiting both industries in the context of sustainable development. It is estimated that the economic savings for Canada will be substantial. The eventual application of this technology by Canadian Mining and Metallurgical Companies could result in significant savings on environmental protection costs therefore it will increase their competitiveness. Moreover, this technology will contribute to sustainable development for both industries reducing their respective ecological footprints.