SILICA MICRO ENCAPSULATION: AN INNOVATIVE TECHNOLOGY FOR THE PREVENTION AND TREATMENT OF ARD

摘要

In conclusion, it is certainly worthy of note that the owner of the New Bunker Hill Mining Company has stated that the KEECO process represents a substantial reduction in the capital expenditure required for water treatment to a magnitude unmatched by anything to his knowledge, while still providing the desired water quality results. The ability to implement a consistent treatment program that can adequately address any requirements for both present and future regulatory criteria was the primary reason for the mine owner's decision to evaluate the KEECO process. Understandably, the mining industry is relatively conservative when investing its funds in new technologies or approaches. This reflects in part the low profit margin of many companies. However, new technology must be incorporated into mine design and closure plans as it becomes available. Thus far, it appears that the project at the Bunker Hill Mine was a success. It represented a substantive stepping-stone on the way to the increased implementation of the Silica Micro Encapsulation process and the next generation of environmental technologies for water and waste treatment in the mining industry.