Bulk organic materials were identified in earlier testvvork (Pierce, 1992) as having the potential to provide effective and affordable solutions to the reclamation of acidic mine tailings. Previous results of the bench scale and initial pilot scale test work demonstrated that there were clear differences in the ability of each material to provide a beneficial cover for different types of tailings (Elliott et al., 1997). To identify a suitable cover material for a tailings with high concentrations of sulfides, three different bulk organic materials (peat, lime stabilized sewage sludge (LSSS) and municipal solid waste (MSW) compost) were evaluated through a combination of bench and pilot scale laboratory test programs. The purpose of the evaluation was to select a cover for the tailings that would reduce or eliminate environmental impacts related to acid rock drainage. Of the organic materials tested, the LSSS performed best at meeting the objectives of a good tailings cover. The following paper summarizes the results of an ongoing three year pilot scale test program.
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