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

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. Using Advanced Customizable Leach Columns (ACLCs) 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 interns will lead research into improving ACLC designs by quantifying the role of different variables that will lead to improved waste storage designs at the field scale. The improvements, modifications, and discoveries made as part of this research will be implemented in the new generation of ACLCs developed by Okane to offer to clients worldwide.

Faculty Supervisor:

Laura Smith

Student:

Partner:

Okane Consultants;NexGen

Discipline:

Engineering

Sector:

Mining; Professional, scientific and technical services

University:

University of Saskatchewan

Program: