Evaluation of biological-based source control methods for preventing constituent release from mine wastes

Mine waste rock drainage is one of the most challenging and lasting global environmental issues facing the entire mining industry, regulatory agencies and society as a whole. Mine drainage can be alkaline, neutral, moderately or extremely acidic and contains significant levels of sulfate, dissolved iron, and frequently a variety of heavy metals and metalloids. As opposed to water treatment, the preferable long-term option, even though challenging, is to prevent the release of these constituents from the mine waste, which is referred to as source control. Microorganisms are one of the causes and can also be the cure of the problem of mine water pollution. The proposed research aims at evaluating all available biological-based methods that have been developed for controlling constituent release at the source, based on which recommendations will be made to the partner company on suitable techniques to move forward with developing and testing. In this research, we will build a database that captures existing information on all biological-based source control methods developed by academia, mining companies, and governmental agencies. The information will be collected from journal articles, conference proceedings, government reports, etc.

Faculty Supervisor:

Wenying Liu;Susan Baldwin

Student:

Seyed Mohamadjavad Mirazimi

Partner:

Teck Resources Ltd

Discipline:

Engineering

Sector:

University:

University of British Columbia

Program: