Technical Talk:
Current Thinking on Waste Rock Mixing to Mitigate Acid Rock Drainage and Metal Leaching Potential | Sep. 21, 9:25 AM, -7GMT
Ideally, solutions to mine waste management should require no monitoring and maintenance in perpetuity so that future users of the land do not need to be concerned about degradation of environmental quality. For water quality, mixing of acid generating and acid consuming wastes may be able to achieve this goal under some conditions by yielding stable predictable drainage quality. The general requirement is that the potentially acid generating components of the mixture should not become acidic beyond the mineral grain scale thereby preventing accelerated leaching due to depressed pH. Successful mixing at the scale of mine operations requires consideration of the intimacy of mixing which depends mainly on the reactivity of the materials.
This paper will provide a brief overview of the theoretical basis for waste rock blending and a discussion of the opportunities and limits to its application.
Technical Talk:
ARD Prediction and Management in Africa - The Pragmatic Approach | Sep. 21, 9:50 AM, -7GMT
There is general incorrect assessment that ARDML is evaluated in most mining projects and that the issue is not considered relevant. However this is not true and the issue of mine impacted waters is taken seriously in African jurisdictions. Traditionally the focus has been on control, mitigation and treatment rather than prediction but there is a shift as regulators become concerned about impacts and long term costs.
This presentation will review some of major controls in terms of climate, geology and mining practices in Africa on mine water impacts and assess this in terms of regulatory changes and a shift to more global reporting styles. Some of the changes, common and unique will be reviewed.
Panelist:
Mine Planning and Finance Consideration for Closure | Sep. 22, 6:25 PM, -7GMT
The panel will be deliberating how mining companies can continue to build and operate mines that are protective of the environment and local communities while still being a successful financial operation.
Conference Chair:
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