A mineralogical approach to evaluating laboratory scale acid rock drainage characterisation tests. (September 2015)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Becker, M.; Dyantyi, N.; Broadhurst, J.L.; Harrison, Susan T.L.; Franzidis, J.-P.
• Is Part Of: Minerals engineering. Volume 80(2015)
• Page Start: 33
• Page End: 36
• Publication Date: 2015-09
• Subjects: ANC acid neutralising capacity -- ARD acid rock drainage -- ARDI acid rock drainage index -- MLA mineral liberation analyzer -- MPA maximum potential acidity -- NAG net acid generation -- NAPP net acid producing potential -- QEMSCAN quantitative evaluation of minerals by scanning electron microscopy -- QXRD quantitative X-ray diffraction -- SEM scanning electron microscope -- TIMA Tescan integrated mineral analyzer -- UCT University of Cape Town; Acid rock drainage -- Mineralogy; Mines and mineral resources -- Periodicals; Ressources minérales -- Périodiques; Mines and mineral resources; Periodicals; Electronic journals; 622
• DOI: 10.1016/j.mineng.2015.06.015
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0892-6875

Abstract

Highlights: Development of a mineralogical approach for ARD characterisation. Dissolution of carbonates and intermediate weathering silicates contribute to ANC. Auto-SEM is a valuable tool in ARD characterisation. Abstract: Effective management of the risks associated with acid rock drainage (ARD) requires the ability to identify material with a potential to generate ARD reliably. With the increasing prevalence of quantitative mineralogy (Quantitative XRD, auto-SEM), opportunity exists to use mineralogy at all stages in ARD characterisation and prediction. This study uses a mineralogical approach across the head grade samples and the residues obtained under leach conditions of several common ARD characterisation tests (Acid Neutralising Capacity, Net Acid Generation), as well as the University of Cape Town (UCT) biokinetic test to evaluate the extent to which acid-neutralising minerals react. The results show the contribution of the carbonates to the acid neutralising capacity, as well as the partial dissolution of intermediate weathering silicate minerals such as chlorite and mica.