Influence of climate change, winter season, and runoff on the performance of cover systems to control acid mine drainage

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One of the most serious and complex environmental challenges in the mining industry is the reclamation of acid-generating mine wastes. To solve this problem, different types of cover systems are used to control acid mine drainage (AMD) in mine waste disposal areas under different circumstances. Notable cover systems include: low saturated hydraulic conductivity covers (LSHCC), covers with capillary barrier effects (CCBE), covers combined with an elevated water table (EWT), and insulation covers (IC). The goal of the proposed research program is to improve the assessment of cover performance by: considering the influence of climate change (CC), integrating changes in the reactivity of mine wastes during wintertime, and more precisely estimating runoff in water balance calculations. Thus, the research program is divided into three distinct projects: 1) Integrating CC into the design of cover systems; 2) Assessing the reactivity of covered mine wastes during wintertime; and 3) Improving cover system water balance calculations through improved estimations of runoff. The research program will use a combination of laboratory tests, field investigations, and numerical analyses to meet the research objectives. Given the interdisciplinary nature of the proposal, projects will involve collaboration with climate experts and/or vegetation specialists. This research program will advance knowledge related to the performance of cover systems used to reclaim acid-generating generating mine waste disposal areas. The development of effective reclamation strategies is becoming an increasingly crucial factor in gaining the social acceptance of local communities who need to be convinced that a proposed mine will not significantly impact the quality of the local environment. Thus, this research program is more necessary than ever to maintain a level of social acceptance that will allow for the continued development of mines across Canada. The work will be performed by HQP (1 PDF - 1.5 years, 2 PhD, 2 MSc, 1 UG) who will gain the skills necessary to become specialists in reducing the environmental impacts of hard rock mines.