Evaluations of engineered cover systems for mine waste rock and tailings

摘要

Waste rock dumps and tailings impoundments are common features at mine sites. Many of these waste disposal facilities contain sulfide-rich minerals that generate acid mine drainage (AMD) when they oxidize in the presence of oxygen and water. Control of AMD is achieved by removing one or more of the three essential components in the acid-generating process: sulfides, air, or water. An AMD prevention measure with a good history is to properly cap the waste and thereby minimize the infiltration of water and diffusion of air into the system.