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The process mineralogy of mine wastes
journal contribution
posted on 2023-05-17, 21:02 authored by Brough, CP, Warrender, R, Bowell, RJ, Barnes, A, Anita Parbhakar-FoxThe discipline of process mineralogy developed through the recognition that metallurgical flowsheets could be optimised by thorough characterisation of the precursor ore mineralogy, mineral associations, grain size and textures. In a procedure analogous to process mineralogy it is shown here that effective characterisation of mine wastes for Acid Rock Drainage and Metal(loid) Leaching (ARDML) potential must follow a similar set of robust practices which include: (i) representative sampling; (ii) static/screening level geochemical tests and qualitative mineralogical assessment; (iii) longer-term kinetic geochemical tests and quantitative mineralogical assessment; and (iv) quantitative numerical modelling to assess source term chemistry associated with the mine facilities and thereby determine potential impacts to receptors. This process is dependent on a sufficiently robust drill core database and a detailed mine plan through which an assessment of mine wastes is possible. Such detailed characterisation may be limited by insufficient budgets, however omission of a thorough mineralogical investigation may lead to a lack of understanding of the primary geochemical controls on mine waste behaviour. In turn, this can lead to over- or under-engineering of mine facilities, which can have financial and/or environmental implications. Several case studies are presented to illustrate how mineralogy can be applied to solve problems in ARDML prediction and mitigation, specifically within waste rock assessment. © 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
History
Publication title
Minerals EngineeringVolume
52Pagination
125-135ISSN
0892-6875Department/School
School of Natural SciencesPublisher
Elsevier BVPlace of publication
Oxford, UKRights statement
Copyright 2013 Elsevier LtdRepository Status
- Restricted