Evaluating Approaches to and Benefits of Minimising the Formation of Acid Rock Drainage through Management of the Disposal of Sulphidic Waste Rock and Tailings

Current rock drainage prevention strategies focus on covers and coatings. While these have been shown to be effective, the life span of their effectiveness remains in question, motivating the topic of this project. In this report, the general application of sulphide removal by separation to reduce the risk of ARD generation is presented across tailings and finely divided mineral wastes from various sources, including a variety of coal fines and tailings from the gold industry. Demonstration of the removal of sulphide is presented with the associated reduction in potential for ARD generation. Further, the cost implications and disposal routes for the sulphide and benign fractions removed are considered.

Download the report: