Evaluation of Chemical Agents for Inhibiting Acid Mine Drainage Formation

摘要

This report contains findings from a Bureau of Mines study concerning the inhibition of acid mine drainage formation from underground coal mines. A series of experiments was performed in which three different pyritic materials (wastes from coal production plants) were evaluated using several candidate inhibiting agents. Data obtained from the inhibitor-treated pyrites were compared with data from control experiments in which untreated pyritic wastes were used. The experiments were conducted by placing treated and untreated pyrite in columns, passing moist air through the columns to promote oxidation of pyrite, and washing the columns weekly to collect oxidation products for analysis. The results indicate that quantities of acid mine drainage can be substantially reduced if soluble iron III (ferric) ion is controlled.