Feasibility Study of Partial Flooding in Mined Out Areas for Mine Drainage Pollution Abatement

摘要

This study was conducted to assess the feasibility of using partial flooding in various segments of active underground mines to reduce the production of acid and subsequent treatment requirements. Phase I considered the analyses of (1) the acid mine drainage formation theory, (2) effects of inundation in reducing acid mine drainage formation, (3) summary information on the types of acid abatement technology available and the problems inherent in each, and (4) analyses of two potential means of partially inundating abandoned segments of active underground mines to reduce acid formation. Phase II addressed all segments in Phase I, but concentrated on item 4. Seal construction techniques were taken through five logical steps and the design details of both low wall dams and section seals were discussed. The study showed that both concepts are feasible only in certain mines where the geologic-hydrologic-physical makeup is suitable to contain a mine pool. Low wall dams in particular were found to have extremely limited applicability as a means of pollution reduction. Section seals, while clearly dependent upon site specific conditions, have a somewhat broader range of utility and are more effective in pollution reduction.