Use of Advanced Customizable Leach Columns as a tool to characterize the physiochemical processes occurring in mine waste rock and tailings

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Mining generates large amounts of waste (e.g. waste rock and tailings), some of which contains sulfide minerals that oxidize and produce acid rock drainage (ARD) when exposed to oxygen. Mine waste is commonly stored on-site in storage facilities which can account for > 80% of all ARD produced. Several methods exist to address ARD potential, but these tests are rarely linked to specific environmental conditions or repository designs. Advanced Customizable Leach Columns (ACLCs) can be used as a way to provide laboratory scale tests that replicate site specific conditions (e.g., temperature, oxygen availability, water content) can potentially offer a better prediction of ARD potential and inform design considerations for storage facilities. The goal of this research program is to increase our fundamental understanding of using lab-scale experiments to characterize and predict ARD production from mine waste by quantifying the role of different variables that control ARD production. Research outcomes are expected to immediately inform improved waste storage solutions on site by both NexGen and Imperial. The improvements, modifications, and discoveries will also be implemented in the new generation of ACLCs developed by Okane to offer to clients worldwide.