OPTIONS TO REVEGETATE NEUTRALIZED HEAP LEACH MATERIAL

摘要

Revegetation of neutralized heap leach material in the arid environment of the Great Basin represents a challenge of available technology. The chemical and physical environment of spent and neutralized ore is inhospitable for germination and establishment of desirable long term vegetation. Common soil amendments were tested to determine if the heap material could be made more conducive to plant growth. Decommissioned heap material profile samples were collected and reconstructed in columns at bench scale. The column profiles were amended and subjected to three leaching regimes, and representative meteoric conditions. The soil amendments provided positive results for ameliorating the heap material limitations and providing a medium conducive to plant growth. The bench scale study also provided insight for the future of heap leach planning and design with successful reclamation in mind at the forefront.