United States
Environmental Protection
Agency
Office of Research
and Development
Washington, DC 20460
EPA/625/K-94/002
June 1994
Seminar Series on
Managing
Environmental
Problems at
Inactive and Abandoned
Metals Mine Sites
August 8-9, 1994—Anaconda, MT
November 15-16, 1994—Denver, CO
November 17-18, 1994—Sacramento, CA
-------
-------
EPA/625/K-94/002
June 1994
Seminars
Managing Environmental
Problems at Inactive and
Abandoned Metals Mine Sites
X——1
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
Office of Research and Development
Printed on Recycled Paper
-------
Notice
This document has been reviewed in accordance with U.S. Environmental Protection
Agency policy. Mention of trade names or commercial products does not constitute
endorsement by EPA or recommendation for use.
-------
Contents
Understanding the Reasons for Environmental Problems From Inactive Mine Sites 1
Dirk VanZyl
Importance of Characterization in Addressing
Environmental Problems From Inactive Mine Sites 7
Andy Robertson
U.S. Bureau of Mines Technology: New Environmental Applications 19
William Schmidt
Case Study #2: An Improved Version of a
Constructed Wetland Mine Drainage Treatment System 25
Ronald Cohen
Case Study #3: Biotreatment at Mine Closure for Alpine and Desert Sites 33
Leslie Thompson
Case Study #4: Acid Mine Drainage — Reclamation
at the Richmond Hill and Gilt Edge Mines, South Dakota 49
Thomas Durkin
Case Study #5: Sharon Steel/Midvale Tailings Superfund Site 57
William Cornell
Case Study #6: Innovative Approaches To Address
Environmental Problems for the Upper Blackfoot Mining Complex 63
Judy Reese, J. Chris Pfahl, and Thomas Mclntyre
Technologies To Address Environmental Problems at Inactive Mine Sites 79
Martin Foote
in
-------
-------
Understanding the Reasons for Environmental Problems
From Inactive Mine Sites
Dirk Van Zyl
Golder Associates Inc.
Lakewood, CO
Dr. Van Zyl has a B.S. (honors) in civil engineering from the University of Pretoria, South Africa,
and an M.S. and Ph.D. in civil engineering from Purdue University. As a researcher, consulting
engineer, and university professor, he has over 20 years of civil/geotechnical engineering
experience and is a registered professional engineer in 11 states.
Dr. Van Zyl is director of mining in the Denver office of Golder Associates Inc. He is
responsible for technical and marketing efforts for mine waste disposal, mine closure, and heap
leach projects. He also provides engineering design and regulatory support in negotiations for
permits. He has supported regulatory development in the United States and internationally.
He is a member of the Society of Mining, Metallurgy, and Exploration, Inc., the American
Society of Civil Engineers, and the South African Institute of Mining and Metallurgy. He has
published over 50 technical papers, research reports, and books, and served as editor of
conference proceedings. He has coordinated and presented numerous short courses for the
Society of Mining, Metallurgy, and Exploration, Inc., and the U.S. Forest Service.
-1-
-------
"Understanding the Reasons for
Environmental Problems From
Inactive Mine Sites"
Presented by
Dirk Van Zyl, P.E., Ph.D.
Director Mining
Colder Associates Inc.
Denver, Colorado
"Mining not only produced wealth, power,
and fame for the United States; it also
attracted world-wide attention and
investment to this underdeveloped nation,
one that was sorely in need of a financial
transfusion".
MINING AMERICA
Duane A. Smith, 1987
University Press of Kansas
"Without mining-from coal to iron to gold-
the United States could not have emerged as
a world power by the turn of the century,
nor could it have successfully launched its
international career of the twentieth
century."
MINING AMERICA
Duane A. Smith, 1987
University Press of Kansas
-2-
-------
"All this development did not take place
without disturbance-environmental, personal,
economic, political and social. Mining left
behind gutted mountains, dredged-out streams,
despoiled vegetation, open pits, polluted creeks,
barren hillsides and meadows, a littered
landscape, abandoned camps and burned-out
miners and the entrepreneurs who came to mine
the miners."
MINING AMERICA
Duane A. Smith, 1987
University Press of Kansas
i MINING AMERICA, Duane A. Smith, 1987, Univ. Press of Kansas
Pictorial Slides
Aspects of Mineralization
• Gold and silver hi oxidized zones near
surface, sulfides at depth
• Sulfide minerals (lead, zinc, copper) hi
sulfide mineralization
• Other metals can be associated with
mineralization, e.g., arsenic, iron,
mercury and cadmium
-3-
-------
Historic Mine Development
• Prospecting for surface outcrops
• Orebodies close to surface or vein type
mining, e.g., lead-zinc in
Kansas/Missouri, gold and silver in
Rocky Mountains
• Shafts or Adits
• Gravity dewatering important
• Mining activity increased surface area
exposed to water and oxygen
Mineral Extraction
Physical processes - increase surface
area
Amalgamation - mercury introduced
Smelting - air pollution, firewood
consumption
Cyanidation - introduced in 1890's
Flotation - no significant chemical
residues, increased surface area
Water Quality Data Comparison For
Selected Mineralized Areas in Colorado
finfiseer
?«
AlXBiC
CKtotam
Csfsw
AbnCnck
JlMowti
(ADC 1991)
NA
5.7
f
3
7
10,2
4,9
259
261
MS
WithtmuFoik
BctowCropij
Crtek
(Oa 1931)
3.44
2
5.4
3.360
WithtnuA Fork
Beto-OcTO
Citck
(OCI1991)
NA
NA
62
26,00(9
Silver Creek u
Bridge Hwy
145 (Mir 1966
la Dec 1968)
7.9 Man
8.4 Mu
7.4 MM
NA Man
NA Mu
NA Mtn
NA Man
NA Mix
NA Min
111 Mean
1.100 Mix
0 Min
(All values in ug/1)
-4-
-------
Water Quality Data Comparison...
Parameter
Iron
Lead
Silver
Zinc
Alum Creek
at Mouth
(Aug 1991)
126.500
171.500
103.000
4.2
6.3
2
<0.5
652
843
543
Wightman Fork
Below Cropsv
Creek
(Oct 1981)
6.300
18.5
1.02
770
Wightman Fork
Below Cropsy
Creek
(Oct 1991)
82.000
NA
<0.2
6.300
Silver Creek at
Bridge Hwy
145 (Mar 1966
to Dec 1968)
5.407 Mean
125,000 Max
0 Min
655 Mean
6.350 Max
0 Min
NA
855 Mean
2.000 Mas
100 Min
(All values in ug/1)
Some Reasons for Environmental
Problems from Inactive Mine Sites
« Natural Mineralization
• Mining activities resulted in increased
exposure to water and air
• Poor understanding of environmental
effects of mining
• Economic incentives driving force
• Chemicals used for hydrometallurgical
and flotation extraction typically not a
concern
Some Reasons for...
• Problems are now highlighted because:
- Changes in environmental
awareness
- Changes in regulatory environment
- Better understanding of
environmental processes-multimedia
perspective
- Increased analytical capabilities
-5-
-------
Other Issues
Unrealistic regulatory limits
- Baseline vs. drinking or aquatic
water standards for natural
discharge
- Discharge from treatment plant
Site-specific risk issues-not always
recognized
Conclusions
• Natural mineralization is biggest
source of environmental problems
• Mining increased exposure of sulfides
and other minerals to oxygen and
water
• Present concept: Design for closure
-6-
-------
Importance of Characterization in Addressing Environmental
Problems From Inactive Mine Sites
Andy Robertson
Steffen, Robertson and Kirsten (Canada) Inc.
Vancouver, BC
Dr. Robertson has a B.Sc. in civil engineering and a Ph.D. in rock mechanics from the
University of Witwatersrand, South Africa. After a few years spent working for a mining
company as a rock mechanics engineer and for a specialist foundation engineering company
doing specialized site investigation and foundation designs and contract supervision, Dr.
Robertson became a cofounderof the firm Steffen, Robertson and Kirsten (SRK), Inc., Consulting
Geotechnical and Mining Engineers. He has 28 years of experience in mining geotechnics, of
which the last 10 years have been devoted extensively to geoenvironmental engineering for
mine sites.
Dr. Robertson has been responsible for developing the engineering capabilities of the North
American practice of SRK over the past 17 years and has specialized personally in technology
for the safe and environmentally protective disposal of mine tailings and waste rock, acid mine
drainage prediction and modeling, mine closure plan development, and financial assurance
and remediation of abandoned mines. He has been extensively involved in the preparation and
writing of a number of manuals on these subjects, which are now widely used in the mining
industry. In addition, he gives regular short courses and consults internationally to mining
companies and regulatory authorities on these topics. He serves on a number of advisory
boards, including the University of British Columbia Board of Studies for the Geological
Engineering Program and the Mine Waste Technology Pilot Program (Butte, Montana), as well
as on a number of mining project specific review boards.
-7-
-------
"The Importance of
Characterization in Addressing
Environmental Problems from
Inactive Mine Sites"
Presented by
Dr. A. Mac.G. Robertson
Stiffen Robertson ind Khstm
Consulting Engineer* and Scientist*
Technical References
Draft ARD Technical Guide
• British Columbia Acid Mine
Drainage Task Force Report
Mine Rock Guidelines
• Saskatchewan Environment
and Public Safety
Ontario Closure Guidelines
• Ontario Ministry of Northern
Development and Mines
Site Characterization Steps
Planning
• Investigation
'Evaluation
AH Steps
considered/or
appropriate and
adequate site
characterization
-8-
-------
Planning
Definition of Potential Concerns
• what problems should be
considered?
Methodology for Site Characterization
• how to look at the site?
Initial Information Requirements
• where to start?
Investigation
Techniques for Initial Reconnaissance
• what can be seen from the site?
Evaluation of Existing Information
• are data sufficient to define
concerns?
Additional Data Collection
• where do we go from here?
Evaluation
"Quantification" of Potential Issues of
Environmental Liability
• what are the real problems
Evaluation of Alternative Control
Measures
• how can these problems be
solved?
Cost/Benefit Evaluation
• what is the best control measure
for the cost?
-9-
-------
Site Characterization for
Reclamation
Physical
• components must be stable, safe
and not move
Chemical
• materials must not decompose
and yield soluble contaminants
Land Use and Aesthetics
• site must be useful and look good
Approach (eg. Rock Piles)
Initial
•initial reconnaissance and evaluation
•geographic comparisons
•lithoiogic, geochemical units
Approach (eg. Rock Piles)
Detailed
•quantify mine rock units, production
•material distribution and sampling
•laboratory static and kinetic testing
•hydrology and geohydrology
•physical and chemical modelling
•environmental impact
-10-
-------
Initial Reconnaissance and
Characterization for ARD
•detect signs of ARD
•assess the factors that control ARD
•evaluate control measures
•evaluate the environmental impact
•assess characterization requirements
for subsequent stages
J
~*\
Pictorial Slides
Kinetics of Acid Generation
1 « * 4 • •
pH Controls During Acid
Generation
Pictorial Slides
-11-
-------
Solubility of Metals
1OOO
180
W
al u> •
I -.
i 4 • • r i r
Pictorial Slides
Kinetics of Contaminant Front
Migration
m*frt
-------
Reconnaissance...
Where to Look
•at and as close to source as possible
•color changes, paste pH
•surface pools
•seeps at toe of waste
•decants and surface runoff
•ground water monitoring wells
Reconnaissance...
When to Look
•spring & fall for water quality (freshet
and rains)
•summer for staining and precipitates
•first snowfall for "hot spots"
Reconnaissance...
Field Clues
•visible sulfides
•red, orange, yellow, white, blue
staining or precipitates or water
•dead vegetation
•melting snow or steaming vents on
wastes
•dead fish and other biota
-13-
-------
Reconnaissance...
Water Quality
•low pH in seeps, ground water, decant
•elevated or rising sulfate and metals
•increasing acidity or decreasing
alkalinity
Geochemistry
•low paste pH of mine wastes
•high conductivity in field extractions
Identify Site Components
•underground workings
•open pit workings
•mine rock and overburden piles
•tailings facility
•water management and water
treatment facilities
•all other infrastructure
Mine Rock Characterization
Physical
•size and layout (topography)
•construction methods and lifts
•grain size distribution and variation
•hydrology (run-on and run-off)
Pictorial Slides
-14-
-------
Mine Rock...
Chemical
•mineralogy
•paste pH,
•field extraction's for conductivity
•seep water quality
•pH, conductivity, sulfate, metals
•downstream water quality
Pictorial Slides
Mine Rock...
Land Use
•visual
•soils
•vegetation
•drainage
Tailings Characterization
Physical
•size and layout (topography)
•structures and stability
•deposition methods and zones
•grain size distribution
•surface and subsurface drainage
Pictorial Slides
-15-
-------
Tailings...
Chemical
•mineralogy
• paste pH,
•field extractions for conductivity
•seep water quality
•pH, conductivity, sulfate, metals
•downstream water quality
Pictorial Slides
Tailings...
Land Use
•visual
•soils
•vegetation
•drainage
Pictorial Slides
Underground Workings
Characterization
Physical
•layout and geometry
•mining methods, slopes and backfill
•openings and subsidence zones
•drainage and flood levels
Pictorial Slides
-16-
-------
Underground...
Chemical
•mineralogy of exposed rock and
backfill
•drainage pH, conductivity, water quality
•downstream water quality
Pictorial Slides
Underground...
Land Use
•visual
•safety
•subsidence
•drainage
Open Pit Characterization
Physical
•layout and geometry
•contained waste and backfill
•slope stability
•inflow and flooding, groundwater
Pictorial Slides
-17-
-------
Open Pit...
Chemical
•wall rock and backfill mineralogy
•paste pH
•field extractions for conductivity
•seep water quality
•pH, conductivity, sulfate, metals
•downstream water quality
Pictorial Slides
Open Pit...
Land Use
•visual
•safety
•subsidence
•drainage
Pictorial Slides
Stages of Sampling and Testing for
Site Reconnaissance and Characterization of ARD
SUge
1 Problem
Screening
2 Source
Dcflnitioa
3 Kinetic
Characterization
4 Control
Chinctcrizatioa
Identify
Geological
Units
Oeocbemica!
Units
Geochemical
Classification
Evaluation of
Controls
Test
Static
Static
(Definition)
Kinetic
Kinetic
Question
What we
have
What we
have
How it will
behave
How to
modify (he
behavior
-18-
-------
U.S Bureau of Mines Technology:
New Environmental Applications
William Schmidt
Bureau of Mines
Washington, DC
Mr. Schmidt has worked for the federal government for 22 years in areas related to mining and
minerals processing. After graduating from the Colorado School of Mines and before joining
the government in 1971, he worked for 8 years in the private sector, mostly on assignments
related to tunneling and construction engineering.
Mr. Schmidt has managed various government programs related to regulation of coal mining,
mining research, and metallurgical research. For the Department of Energy, he served as
director of the Office of Coal Technology, where he was responsible for a $70 million per year
coal mining and preparation research program. At the Department of Interior's Office of
Surface Mining (OSM), he was assistant director for Program Operations and Inspection,
responsible for OSM's enforcement, oversight, and Abandoned Mined Lands (AML) programs.
Mr. Schmidt has visited Europe and Asia a number of times as a government technical expert.
He works for the Bureau of Mines in Washington, where he is chief of the Division of
Environmental Technology. In this position, in addition to his research program management
responsibilities, he oversees the Bureau's technical assistance to the U.S. Forest Service, EPA,
and other agencies in the environmental cleanup arena.
-19-
-------
Proven Tools for New Uses
U. S. Bureau of Mines
Remediation Technology
William B. Schmidt
USBM Environmental Research
Mine drainage technology
•• Acid mine drainage coal
» Acid Mine Drainage metal and non-metal
mines
Solid mine waste and subsidence
Hazardous waste treatment technologies
- Characterization
»• Treatment
Abandoned Mine Land (AML) remediation
USBM Environmental Technology
Distribution of Funding
FT 95 Funding'
S19.4M
-20-
-------
Mine Drainage Technology
Prediction
- fundamental sulfide reactions
- geochemical models (correlated with static
and kinetic testing and field test results)
- host rock and waste rock dumps
Mine Drainage ...
Mitigation/Control
- seals, grouts, and caps
- passivation
Treatment (Contaminant Removal)
«• chemical
- biological
Solid/Subsidence Technology
Reprocessing/process modification
•• pyrite removal
- heavy metal removal
Pyrometallurgical treatment (high temp)
- vitrification
* metal extraction
-21-
-------
The Problem With Recovering
Metals From Wastes
PERCENT EXTRACTION
Solid/Subsidence
Waste disposal
•• Hy ash
- dump stability
Subsidence effects
* prediction
«• prevention
Hazardous Waste Technologies
(CERCLA/RCRA Wastes)
Characterization
•• geophysical
•• geochemical
»• imaging
Treatment
»• electro-dissolution w/ organic acids
> teaching/recovery
•• superfund technical support
-22-
-------
Abandoned (Coal) Mine Land
Technologies
Mine fires
- extinguishment
•• containment
Subsidence
• void detection
- subsidence control (backfilling)
Abandoned (Coal) Mine Land...
AMD (Coal)
» constructed wetlands
- bacteriacides
Shaft/Entry Seals
- lightweight concrete
- inflatable forms
Hydrologic Controls
ET Customers
USEPA
- ORD/RREL
- Superfund
- Great Lakes Nat'l Program Office
USFS
- Acid Mine Drainage
- Slope Stability
-23-
-------
ET Customers...
OSM/DOI
«• Technical assistance
" Regulatory tech base
NPS/DOI
•• Site remediation
•• Technical assistance
Targets for ET Technology
Hazardous Sites on Federal Lands
Hazardous Waste Sites
General Mine Waste Problems
Special Studies
- Urban rivers
- Great lakes
- Municipal wastes
- Other (rad wastes, mixed wastes, etc.)
-24-
-------
Case Study #2:
An Improved Version of a Constructed Wetland
Mine Drainage Treatment System
Ronald Cohen
Colorado School of Mines
Golden, CO
Dr. Cohen received a B.A. degree in biophysics from Temple University in Philadelphia. He
also received a Ph.D. in environmental sciences and engineering from the University of Virginia,
where he combined disciplines of water quality engineering, water chemistry, hydrology, and
applied math. He has worked as a project chief in the National Research Program at the U.S.
Geological Survey and currently is associate professor of environmental science and
engineering at the Colorado School of Mines. Dr. Cohen has been working on treatment,
geochemistry, and transport of mine drainage materials for 5 years. In addition, he has studied
the distributions of 239'240plutonium and 137cesium in regions of the front range both affected
and unaffected by the Rocky Flats Plutonium Weapons Plant. Also, he has participated in
studies of surface runoff, storm runoff, graphic information systems, and stream transport
modelling. He has reviewed the Department of Energy's Treatment Plans and Treatment
Reports and made suggestions for additional remediation technologies.
Dr. Cohen has received the First Prize for Environmental Projects from the American, Consulting
Engineers Council for development of treatment systems for acid mine drainage. He is the
recipient of a Certificate of Special Recognition from the U.S. Congress for environmental work
associated with Department of Energy nuclear weapons plants. He was selected to review the
National Five Year Plan for Environmental Remediation of the Weapons Plants. He has
published numerous papers in journals such as the Journal of the American Society of Civil
Engineers, Limnology and Oceanography, and others. He has worked on contaminant
problems in Charlotte Harbor (Florida), Chesapeake Bay, San Francisco Bay, the Potomac
River, and Clear Creek and the Eagle River (Colorado). Currently, Dr. Cohen teaches courses
on contaminant transport, water quality, water quality modelling, and hydrology at the
Colorado School of Mines. He has designed curriculum and coordinated the Hazardous
Materials Management Program for professionals dislocated from the energy and minerals
industry.
-25-
-------
Case Study #2:
An Improved Version of a
Constructed Wetland Mine
Drainage Treatment System
by
Ronald Cohen
Colorado School of Mines
Golden, CO
Wet Substrate Bioreactor for Removal of
Metals: Treatment Expanded for Removal of
Arsenic and Chromium
PROBLEM: Remove metals to detection limits
Inexpenslvoly-tow capital costs, low operation and
maintenance
• Remove not only Fe, Cd, Zn, Pb, and Cu, but also
metals that appear In anlonlc forms, Arsenic and
Chromium
• Balsa pH of acidic waters (as low as pH 2) to near
neutral
• Minimize the size of the system
• Optimize conditions for bacterial production of
•ulfldes; sulfldes react with metals to form precipitates
Wet Substrate Bioreactor for Removal of
Metals: Treatment Expanded for Removal of
Arsenic and Chromium
SOLUTION: Upflow reactor filled with composted
livestock manure that has been mixed with highly
porous calcined clay ceramics
• Removal of Arsenic, Cd, Zn, Pb, and Cu to below
detection limits
Removal of 86-99% of Chromium and Fe
Reactor life: 3-5 years
Maintenance: Check for clogged pipes once a week
M«UI> can be recycled from spent substrate
Three, 20' x 20* x 8' systems In operation
-26-
-------
Cell B: Fresh O
1.0
Output/
Input
20 40 60 80
Days from Start
Evidence
Works in winter
pH increases
Sulfide in the substrate
Metal removal
Sulfate decreases
Simultaneous Isotopic and AVS
Analyses on Same Substrate
Samples from Cell B
Rates in nanomoles S-VcmVday
Site
Isotopic
Surface
Bottom
Surface
Control
AVS Method
Surface
Date
10/90
11/90
11/90
11/90
11/90
Rate
600
440
750
12.2
670
%DEV
10.9 (4)
10.4 (3)
8.6 (6)
29 (3)
35 (6)
-27-
-------
Conclusions
1. Plants did not contribute
significantly to metal removal and
are not required
2. Loading rate can be estimated
using sulfide generation information
3. Major goal is to maximize activity of
sulfate reducing bacteria and
optimize hydraulic regime
Summary of Design
Parameters
• Upflow configuration
• Size and volume based on:
1) Minimum hydraulic residence time of 20 - 30
hour* or;
2) Sulphide production rate of 300 - 600 nanoMoles
S-VcmVday and metal loading rates, moles
per day
• Can use single or multiple stage systems in
series as space permits
• Composted livestock manure as organic
substrate
'Subttrat*
Uindacap*
Fabric
Gravti
-28-
-------
pH in Single Stage Wells
pH
Doubt* fio*
\ \
July I Una. I
(it. I
Wirframbomn
»20-from bottom
100 -i
95-
90-
85-
Parccnt
Bwnoval an-
ofZN
75-
70-
65-
60-
J
Double flow
\
uly Aug.
\N
Double
flow again
\
S«pt ' Oet ' Nov.
Data
100
Pncant
R*mov*l
ofUad
Nov.
-29-
-------
10O
Ptrctnt 60'
Btmovil
of Iron 50-
Doub
Doublaflow llowaqlln
July > Aug. • S*pt ' Oct « Nov.
100-
S6~
so-
Ptrcanl
B»
-------
100-
80-
Percent 80-
Removal
of Iron ...
20-
0.
-20.
(
•f* 17~1*' "' B
• a
o . "
"a
a
D •
K-
•
) 50 100 150 200 250 300 3!
Residence Time (h)
a
8-
7-
6-
PH 5.
4-
3'
2'
1"
« * *F : - «
K
>» ^
* K
K
R
"BJ ,g * rfF J D
° 0 50 100 150 200 250
RMldwitUm*(h)
BlnflUMl
KEHIlMM
300
350
-31-
-------
-------
Case Study #3:
Biotreatment at Mine Closure for Alpine and Desert Sites
Leslie Thompson
Pintail Systems, Inc.
Aurora, CO
Ms. Thompson received a B.S. in biology from Purdue University and has continuing education
and graduate coursework in geochemistry, environmental engineering, and environmental
microbiology. She has worked as a chemist, microbiologist, and chief of research and
development of bioremediation processes in mining and engineering companies. She has over
20 years of experience in chemical manufacturing, mining, and waste remediation.
Ms. Thompson is employed at Pintail Systems, Inc., as vice president of research and
development. Her responsibilities include management of the environmental research program,
oversight of field engineering, and development of innovative biotreatment processes for
industrial waste remediation. Under her leadership, new bacterial treatment processes have
been developed for control of acid mine drainage, heavy metal wastes, complexed metal
cyanides, nitrates, phenolic wastes, and aromatic hydrocarbons from petroleum and coal
gasification production operations. Ms. Thompson is a member of the American Chemical
Society, the Society of Mining Engineers, the Metallurgical Society, the American Society of
Microbiologists, and the Mining and Metallurgical Society of America.
-33-
-------
* PINTAIL
L
Wins Operations
Environmental Impact
Mining Waste
| Environmental Impact
• Cyanide, heavy metal and nitrate wastes have
the potential to impact:
• Groundwater
• Surface water
• Soil
• Atmosphere
• Terrestrial and aquatic organisms
Mining Issues
I Issues, Goals and Solutions
1 Issue
Perceived conflict between a strong economy
or mining industry and a healthy environment
'Goal
Create a balance between conservation,
resource development and the environment
(reclamation and protection)
-34-
-------
Mining Issues
I Issues, Goals and Solutions
• Solutions
Biotreatment of cyanide, nitrate and metal
wastes using engineered natural processes
Conventional chemical/physical treatments for
mine wastes
Bio-treatment Development
Laboratory Research
and Testing
-35-
-------
Cyanide Biodecomposition
| Reacllons
• M,CNr + 2H20 +1/2 02 •* M/bacteria + HC03+ NH3
Cyanide Biodecomposition
Reactions
• NH3 •» NH2OH •» HNO? •* N02 -» N03
> CM t bacteria -* purines, pyridines, amino acids,
proteins
Bacteria Isolation
NatiEenl solution
Nulrlant/bactarla
solution
Pictorial Slides
-36-
-------
Bioaugmentation
> Enhancement of a bacteria population's natural ability
to use or transform undesirable components of an
environment.
1. Growth to working biotreatment concentrations
2. Elimination of non-working portions
ofmicrobial community
3. Selection of beneficial mutations
Process Description
I Treatment Bacteria Bio-augmentation
1 Augment bacteria
• Stress in waste infusion media
• Temperature stress
• Eliminate non-working species
• Improve reaction kinetics
• Define optimal growth nutrients
Decomposition of Ferrocyanides
I Native Bacteria vs Augmented Bacteria
o Ferrocyanide decomposition
100
Control, no
treatment
Population #1
Population #2
Native bacteria Augmented bacteria
-37-
-------
Ferrocyanide Biodecomposition
| Tolal Cyantde (mg/L) vs Time
Total cyanide, mg/L
25
20
15
10
5
0
Start 8 hour 18 hour 24 hour
Biotreated
cyanide
Control
Cyanide Biodecomposition
Column tests
Activated
carbon
Bacteria/nutrient
solution
I
Ellluent solution
Cyanide-
contaminated
leached ore
residue in
PVC column
Pictorial Slides
Spent Ore Cyanide Treatment
| Column Leachate Solution WAD Cyanide
WADCMImoA)
160]
10i
«_
M_
a M_
= j
*!
>
\
\ '
^
< *
'!
\
'
^
K
SS
$
a •
•1 ,
p=):
- •»
N
s
M
^1
\
= :
5 «
^
^
f
•
...
Ei
H.
[•
-,
_
-,
.
•^1
-•
t 1 \
" ™l
I
^
— Bio-1B
- *Bio-2S
*BiO-3C
. -FeS04
i , * Peroxide
" -^ Water"
Rinse
8 0.1 02 03 0.4 9.5 OS 0.7 0.8 0.9 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 1.5
Tons ol Effluent Solution per Ton of Ore
-38-
-------
Heap Bio-detox Pilot Test
| Biotreatment Sequence
1. Stack 1000 tons of leached ore residue
on liner.
Heap Bio-detox Pilot Test
Biotreatment Sequence
2. Add treatment bacteria concentrate to sump.
Bacteria solution
Sump
Heap Bio-detox Pilot Test
| Biotreatment Sequence
3. Apply bacteria solution to residue with
spray system.
Sump/Application Bacteria
-39-
-------
Heap Bio-detox Pilot Test
| BlDlrealment Sequence
4. Collect pile leachate solution in sump.
4
Uachatt Solution Collection
Heap Bio-detox Pilot Test
[ Blolrealment Sequence
5. Analyze leached ore residue and leachate
solutions.
^ ^ TCN, NO,
TCN,K04.Co,J 5
Mn,Cu,Au -
Sump/ Application Bacteria
UachaU Solution Collection
Pictorial Slides
Microbial Cyanide Decomposition
11500 ton Field Test, Average CN Removal
Tout cyanide, mg/kg
80
DayO
Day 70
Bacteria
treatment
Control,
j untreated
-40-
-------
Successful Biotreatment
I Requirements
• Establishment of treatment bacteria in
environment
• Biodecomposition/bio-mineralization reaction
rate improvements
1 Physical contact of treatment bacteria with
pollutants
Site-specific Design Criteria
| Biotreatment Field Test
• Ore/waste geochemistry
• Field bacteria production
• Background waste microbiology
• Application engineering
Yellow Pine Unit
| Site conditions for heap cyanide bio-detox
• Located near Yellow Pine, Idaho (approx. 50 miles
northeast of McCall)
• Elevation -6500'
• Treatment start: end of March, 1992
»Treatment end: September, 1992
• 1.3 million ton agglomerated oxide ore
• Single leach pad, 114'depth
-41-
-------
Yellow Pine Unit
I Valley County, Idaho
Coewtf,
Yellow Pine Unit
| Spent Ore Cyanide Bio-Detox
• Laboratory Phase
CN oxidizing bacteria isolated/augmented and
tested in flask and column test program
> Field Mobilization
Bacteria concentrate and nutrients transported
to mine
• Field Re-culturing
Bacteria grown in a 3-stage culturing system
Heap Detox Treatment Goals
I Yellow Fine 1.3 Million Ton Heap
• Reduce WAD CN from 47 to 0.2 mg/l in heap
leachate solutions
• Run In situ cyanide oxidation in spent ore to
remove cyanide point source
• Complete treatment in one operating season
* Enhance gold production during detox
operations
L
Pictorial Slides
-42-
-------
Spent Ore Bioremediation
1.3 Million Ton Cyanide Heap Bio-Detox
-WAD CN (mg/L)
en
40-
30-
?n
m
n
y
vV\
I
x
V
\
Tons sol
<»_
0 50 100 150 2C
Days
^-
ution/Tons ore
0.5
0.4
0.3
0.2
0.1
0.0
0
^>
Field vs. Lab Cyanide Biotreat
I Hecla Yellow Pine Bio-detox
Cyanide, mg/L
1000 -
inn >^
10-
•)
or °-2p
nm
" e>
omCN
- -
"*^-*
s
/
K^
x_
*ieid(\
Lab('
^
'AD)
rCN)
X^
0 0.1 0.2 0.3 0.4 0.5 0.6
Tons solution per tons ore
Field Biotreatment Au Recovery
Biotreatment vs. Water Rinse
0.01 0'.1 Ol2 0'.3
Tons solution per tons ore
-43-
-------
Yellow Pine Heap Bio-detox
I Spent Ore Cyanide Blolreatmenl Results
• ON detox complete after 5 month treatment
• Conventional chemical treatment time estimates
greater than 2 operating seasons
* Enhanced gold recovery during biotreatment
Spent Ore Cyanide Biotreatment
I Yellow Pfna Unit Environmental Recognition
• Hecla Mining Company received 1992
"Industrial Pollution Control Award" for Idaho
from the Pacific Northwest Pollution Control
Association.
Cyprus-Amax Copperstone
-44-
-------
Copperstone Site Conditions
Heap Cyanide Bio-detox
• Located near Parker, Arizona
• Elevation approximately at sea level
• Treatment started in mid-July, 1993
• Treatment completed in December, 1993
•1.2 million tons ore
• Single leach pad
Detox Treatment Goals
| Cyprus Copperstone 1.2 million ton heap
• Reduce WAD and total cyanide from 30 to <0.2 mg/L
in heap leachate solutions
• Treat spent ore to remove cyanide source
• Complete treatment in less than 6 months
• Enhance gold production during detox operations
Copperstone Treatment Design
I Bacteria Application
1 Culture and nutrients applied to heap in a drip
irrigation system
1 Decrease in WAD and total cyanide measured in
pregnant and reclaim solutions.
• Field vs. Lab Cyanide Biotreat
Pictorial Slides
-45-
-------
Field vs. Lab Cyanide Biotreat
| Cyprus Copperslons 1.2 million ton heap
Cyanide, mg/L
1000
0.1 0.2 0.3 0.4
Tons solution per tons ore
Copperstone Spent Ore Detox
Copper and WAD CN in Leachate Solutions
3 5 7 9 11 13 15 17 19
Weeks
Spent Ore Detox - Heap Closure
I Blolreatmentvs Water/Barren Solution Rinse
0 0,1 0.2 0,3 0.4 0.5 0.6 0.7
Tons solutionn'ons Ore
•46-
-------
Bio-detox Treatment Results
Cyprus Copperstone Spent Ore Cyanide Biotreatment
• WAD and total CN detox complete after less than
70-day treatment cycle
• Enhanced gold recovery during biotreatment
• WAD and TCN treatment complete with application
of <0.3 tons solution/ton ore
Biotreatment Advantages
Mine Waste Remediation
In situ treatment
Natural, non-toxic by-products
Biotreatment Advantages
Mine Waste Remediation
Complete detoxification
• Solid and aqueous waste treatment ends
long-term liability
• Shorter duration/fewer pore volumes for spent
ore detox
-47-
-------
Biotreatment Advantages
Mine Waste Remediation
Cost effective compared to conventional
treatments
Re-vegetation potential
* Site reclamation promotes natural growth on
decomissioned heaps, plant areas
Biotreatment Advantages
I Mine Waste Remediation
• Final solution
• No continuing liability
• Eliminate monitoring
• Establishes corporate environmental
commitment
Pictorial Slides
-48-
-------
Case Study #4:
Acid Mine Drainage—Reclamation at the
Richmond Hill and Gilt Edge Mines, South Dakota
Thomas Durkin
South Dakota Department of Environment and Natural Resources
Pierre, SD
Mr. Durkin has an A.S. degree in biology from Nassau Community College, a B.S. degree in
earth science from Adelphi University, and an M.S. degree in geology from the South Dakota
School of Mines and Technology. He is a certified professional geologist. He has worked as
a commissioned officer in the U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Corps,
and as a mine regulator for the State of South Dakota for the past eight years.
Mr. Durkin is employed by the South Dakota Department of Environment and Natural Resources
as a hydrologist in the Office of Minerals and Mining. His duties have involved him with the
geochemical aspects of mine wastes and mine waste management issues relating to large scale
surface gold mines in the Black Hills. He is concerned particularly with regulating problems
associated with acid mine drainage and developing effective prevention, control, and
reclamation requirements. He is a member of the Western Governors' Association Mine Waste
Task Force and the Abandoned Mine Waste Working Group of the Committee to Develop On-
site Innovative Technologies. He is a member of the American Institute of Professional
Geologists, the Society of Mining, Metallurgy and Exploration, Inc., and the South Dakota
Academy of Science.
-49-
-------
Acid Mine Drainage:
Reclamation at the Richmond Hill
and Gilt Edge Mines,
South Dakota
by
Thomas V. Durkin
South Dakota
Department of Environment and Natural Resources
Office of Minerals and Mining
EPA Seminar Series
Managing Environmental Problems at IAM Sites
Anaconda, MT - Denver, CO - Sacramento, CA I
GENERAL STATEMENT
The most significant environmental issue that
has arisen in the South Dakota mining industry
over the last several years is that of Acid
Mine Drainage (AMD). The magnitude of the
potential environmental impacts and the
financial liabilities has only recently
been recognized.
History - Richmond Hill Mine
* Historical Perspective
* Property Ownership
* Permitting of Active Mine
* Mining/Processing Method
Pictorial Slides
-50-
-------
Site Characteristics
Elevation - 5,500 to 6,000 ft.
Climate:
- Temperature
- Rainfall
Geology
History Continued ...
> Discovery of AMD Problem
> Environmental/Economic Assessment
of Problem
> Enforcement Action
> AMD Mitigation Plan and Bonding
Development and Permitting
> Closure/Postclosure Maintenance
and Monitoring Requirements
Discovery of AMD Problem
* Jan/Feb 1992 - Sulfide Ore Stockpile
Sulfide Waste in Spruce Gulch Depository
* April 1992 - AMD Detected
* Water Quality Monitoring Results
Pictorial Slides
-51-
-------
Environmental/Economic Assessment
> Descriptive/Predictive Geochemical Tests:
Phase Is Static - ABA/NAG Tests, Paste pH's
Phase lit Kinetic • Humidity Cells,
Mineralogies! Analyses
• Quantification of Problem (Tonnages)
> Environmental Impacts
- Hydrologlc Impact studies
- Mass balance assessments
• Aquatic Impact studies
- Investigations of contaminant migration
pathways
* Short Terra / Long Term Mitigation Options
> Mitigation Costs — Reclamation Bonding
Environmental Liability
Pictorial Slides
Geology
Acid
Generating
Non-Acid
Generating
Altered PC
Amphibolite
Tertiary
Breccia
Unaltered
Amphibolite
Pictorial Slides
Acid Generating Potential
for various lithologies
> ABA Values/Static Test Results
> Kinetic Test Results
> Contaminants (Metals) Generated
-52-
-------
AMD Mitigation Plan
SHORT TERM Control Actions
> Collection and Treatment Surface Runoff
> 10 yr, 24 hr Storm Event Containment Pond
Below Spruce Waste Dump
> Base Addition
Soda Ash and Caustic Soda
> Metal Hydroxide (Sludge) Precipitation/Removal
> Pump Partially Treated Dump Discharge
To Large Lined Stormwater Pond
> Entac Treatment and Lime Addition to Dump
> Anoxic Limestone Drain
Pictorial Slides
DENR Enforcement Action
> December 1992 Notice of Violations
and Order
> $489,000 Penalty
Mine Permit Violations
Water Quality Standard Violations
> AMD Control/Mitigation Requirements
AMD Mitigation Plan
LONG TERM Control Requirements/Actions
> Remove Acid Generating Material From Dump
2,700,000 Tons Waste Rock
Backfilled In Pit Impoundment
> Control Site Water Balance
» Cap Pit Impoundment
- Covers reactive waste rock
- Covers reactive pit floor rock
> Reclaim Acid Generating Leach Pads
- 727,000 tons reactive spent ore
- Heap decommislonlng (neutralization) plan
> Reclaim Ancillary Facilities
(Mine Permit Amendment)
-53-
-------
Cap Design - Pit Impoundment
Richmond Hill Mine
Root
Zone
Topsoil
Thermal
Protection/
Drain Layer
(Spent Ore)
Compacted
Clay
Crushed Limestone
Waste Rock
4^ In.
4ft.
2S.
II.
max
Pictorial Slides
Richmond Hill Reclamation Bond
Increase Due to Acid Mine Drainage
Total Current Bond: $10.700,000
Before AMD
roblem
After AMD
Problam
Richmond Hill Reclamation Bond
Increase doe to AMD Problems
$10,700,000
RecJalM Wa«te Dump
1* Backfill
24%
P»d Reclamation
49%
Contingency
16%
Original (unaffoctad)
-54-
-------
Postclosure
Postclosure Period Begins at Reclamation
Surety Release
30 Year Postclosure Period
Can Be Extended
Postclosure Bond Required
(Currently Set at $1,700,000)
Remedial Action Can Be Required
(Rebuild Cap, Etc.)
Postclosure Monitoring
"Performance Monitoring"
Periodic Monitoring of Water, Air, and
Biota at Various Locations Around
Reclaimed Facility (Pit, Dump, Pads)
Lysimeters
Temperature Probes (Thermistors)
Oxygen Meters
Neutron Probes
Annual Performance Monitoring Meetings
Pictorial Slides
Postclosure Maintenance
> Remove Deep Rooting Vegetation, and Burrowing
Animals From Cap
> Ensure Adequate Vegetative Cover
> Repair Erosion Damage
Maintain Erosion Controls
> Other Remedial Actions (if AMD Reoccurs)
-55-
-------
Brohm's Tailings Reclamation Project
Relic Gilt Edge Tailings
Strawberry Creek
Pictorial Slides
Conclusions
-56-
-------
Case Study #5
Sharon Steel/Midvale Tailings Superfund Site
William Cornell
Bureau of Mines
Rolla, MO
Mr. Cornell graduated from the University of Missouri—Rolla with a B.S. in metallurgical
engineering. He has been employed by the Bureau of Mines for 11 years and has been
involved mainly with mineral processing projects. He is a group supervisor in charge of projects
in the following areas: beneficiation of rare earth minerals; the remediation of heavy metal
tailings; the characterization of heavy metal contaminated tailings, residues, and soils; and the
remedial treatment of carbon-contaminated processing wastes. Mr. Cornell has published
extensively in the fields of minerals processing and process mineralogy, and was involved with
a team that won an RD-100 Award in 1987 for a fine particle beneficiation process to upgrade
cobalt values from Missouri lead ores.
-57-
-------
• INTRODUCTION & BACKGROUND
• SITE REPRESENTATION
• SITE CHARACTERIZATION
* BENEFICIATION STUDIES
• COST ANALYSES
« CONCLUSIONS
INTRODUCTION & BACKGROUND
- Objective of the Study
- Technical Approach
- Site Description
- Site History
OBJECTIVE
Ddermin* H physical bensfidailon methods can be us
trad Ut« fellings to produce two fractions, ont "cUan"
thai con bf ndosHid on silt, and on* "conlamindtd"
could bt (half vtth by othir mians.
-58-
-------
DEFINITION
"Clean" material is defined as containing
less than 500 ppm Fb, less than 70 ppm As,
and passing TCLP.
TECHNICAL APPROACH
1. Review existing data and determine if they suggest
a method to represent the site.
2. Conduct studies 1o characterize the materials on
tha sit*.
3. Conduct studies to determine the response of the
materials to state-of-the-art beneffcialion methods.
4, Assess Information and data developed io prepare
a report for EPA.
Pictorial Slides
1906 to 1927
— 465 ton capacity gravity mill
— No Zn recovery
— Tailings deposited on river
bank west of the mill.
-59-
-------
1927 to 1971
- Converted to flotation In 1927
— With upgrades reached final
capacity of 1700 tpd.
- Pb and Zn circuits
- Pyrite recovery for Au
• SITE REPRESENTATION
- Review of Production Records
- Review of Previous Sampling Studies
- Review of Supplementary Data
SITE CHARACTERIZATION
- Chemical Analyses
- Mineralogical Analyses
Pictorial Slides
-60-
-------
CHEMICAL ANALYSES
- Drill Hole
- Bulk Samples
Pictorial Slides
• MINERALOGICAL ANALYSES
- Drill Hole
- Bulk Samples
Pictorial Slides
BENEFICIATION STUDIES
— Gravity
— Froth Flotation
-61-
-------
GRAVITY TESTS
Pictorial Slides
FROTH FLOTATION
» Statistical Design
• Bench Scale Flotation
• Large Scale Flotation
Pictorial Slides
CONCLUSIONS
A similarity exists between the
material In Panda A & B and the
material In Ponds C A: D.
In Pond* A Jc B up fa 75% of iha
material can be treated to balow
800 ppm Pb.
In Pond* C & D up to 38 pet of t
material can be treated to below
350 ppm.
Total co»t of treatment le*e than
-62-
-------
Case Study #6
Innovative Approaches To Address Environmental Problems for the
Upper Blackfoot Mining Complex
Parti
Judy Reese
Montana Department of Health and Environmental Sciences
Helena, MT
Judy Reese has a B.S. in geology from Wayne State University and an M.S. in environmental
studies from the University of Montana. She also has Grades 7-12 teaching certification in
earth science and chemistry. Ms. Reese worked in minerals exploration for 8 years for Utah
International, BMP-Utah International, Placer Dome, and Meridian Gold Company.
Ms. Reese has worked for the Montana Department of Health and Environmental Sciences Solid
and Hazardous Waste Bureau's state Comprehensive Environmental Cleanup and Responsibility
Act (CECRA) and federal (CERCLA) Superfund programs since 1991. She is the project
manager of the Upper Blackfoot Mining Complex site, and she is responsible for all CECRA
related aspects of the site. She also manages a few other CECRA sites and participates on the
Clark Fork River Site-Specific Water Quality Criteria committee.
-63-
-------
INNOVATIVE APPROACHES
TO ADDRESS
ENVIRONMENTAL
PROBLEMS AT THE UPPER
BLACKFOOT MINING COMPLEX
Judy Reese- MDHES, Superfund
Chris Pfahl - ASARCO
Tom Mdhtyre - MSE, MWTPP
MONTANA
UPPER BLACKFOOT MINING COMPLEX
Lewis & Clark County, Montana
-64-
-------
MINING HISTORY
Heddleston District
1889 Ore first discovered
1898 Mike Horse Mine discovered
1919 Mike Horse mill built
1940 First electric power
1945 Purchased by ASARCO
1955 Ceased mining
Total production: 450,000 tons
1962-1973 Exploration of a copper
molybdenum ore body
OWNERSHIP
1898-45 Miscellaneous small groups
1945-64 ASARCO
1964-81 Anaconda Company /ASARCO
1979 Anaconda merged with ARCO
1981 ASARCO purchased all of the
Anaconda holdings
Department of State Lands
Abandoned Mines Bureau
1987 -1990
Department of Health and
Environmental Sciences
CECRA
1991 - present
-65-
-------
PICTORIAL SLIDES TO FOLLOW
CONTAMINATION SOURCES
Acid Mine Drainage
RockWaste Piles
Tailings
CONTAMINATED MEDIA
Surface Water
Ground Water
Stream Sediments
Soils
PICTORIAL SLIDES TO FOLLOW
MIKE HORSE MINE ADIT
WATER QUALITY mg/L
Aluminum
Cadmium*
Copper
Iron
Manganese
Sulfate
Zinc
.14
.02
.15
4.2
8.7
346.0
26.0
Ranges
1.3
.2
1.8
74.0
53.0
- 2,927.0
90.0
sMCL
.2
1.0
.3
.05
250.0
5.0
-66-
-------
GROI3ND WATER QUALITY mg/L
Ranges
*MCL = .005 mg/I
sMCL
Aluminum
Cadmium*
Iron
Manganese
pH
.7
.2
2.2
.1
2.7
- 10.3
- 164.2
- 105
- 7.3
.2
.3
.05
6.5 - 8.5
MINE WASTE mg/kg
Aluminum
Arsenic
Cadmium
Copper
Mercury
Manganese
Lead
Zinc
3,278
42
1
59
50
11
112
23
Ranges
18,240
3,555
134
7,405
3,400
. - 8,540
21,803
4,333
J
1993
VOLUNTARY REMEDIAL ACTIONS
• Lower Carbonate Removal
• Upper Carbonate Respository
• Mike Horse Creek Stream Diversion
. • Mike Horse Treatability Pond
• Mike Horse Channel Reconstruction
-67-
-------
1994
VOLUNTARY REMEDIAL ACTIONS
Finish Mike Horse treatability pond
Remove Anaconda Mine waste
Construct Mike Horse Repository
Construct first phase wetland cells
FIVE YEAR SCHEDULE
.Site 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997
CARBONATE
Removal/Reclaim
Repository
MIKE HORSE
Pond
Water treatment
Repository
ANACONDA
Waste Dumps
Water treatment
PAYMASTER
Water treatment?
Reclaim
EDITH & MARY P.
TAILINGS POND
-68-
-------
Case Study #6
Innovative Approaches To Address Environmental Problems for the
Upper Blacldbot Mining Complex
Part 2
J. Chris Pfahl
ASARCO, Inc.
Wallace, ID
Mr. Pfahl has a B.S. in mining engineering from the Montana College of Mineral Science and
Technology. He is a licensed professional engineer in the states of Idaho and Colorado, and
a licensed professional land surveyor in Idaho. He has been employed by ASARCO, Inc., in
various engineering, supervisory, and management positions for the past 17 years.
Mr. Pfahl is a site manager with ASARCO. He is responsible for all of ASARCO's activities at
the Bunker Hill Superfund site at Kellogg, Idaho; the Triumph Proposed Superfund Site at Sun
Valley, Idaho; the Upper Blaclcfoot Mining Complex State Superfund Site at Lincoln, Montana;
and several inactive mine site reclamation projects in Colorado, Idaho, and Montana.
-69-
-------
Cleanup Approach
Perform Cleanup Under
Existing Permit System
Consolidate Mine Wastes
Permit Discharge
Treat Discharges Passively
Carbonate Mine
Consolidate Tailings On
Waste Dump
Problems Associated With
Excessive Moisture
Reclaim As Wetlands
Pictorial Slides To Follow
TAILMEtPOM)
tPPER OLACXFOOT MINING COMPLEX
-70-
-------
Mike Horse Adit
Discharge
Infiltration Control
Oxidation Pond
Adit Plug
Jet Pump Aerator
Pictorial Slides To Follow
Anaconda Mine
Consolidate Mine Wastes
At Mike Horse Dump
Blackfoot River Floodway
Pictorial Slides To Follow
Passive Water
Treatment
Wetland Treatment
Theory
Phase I Wetlands
Phase 2 Wetlands
-71-
-------
CUT
cm. A
I**T
.
•tr.«»«i»Aei now ou.
MV-Moomo tartct now ou.
.
V "• --/A «£:•
T; ---- T1
ou. VI • "V
SECTION THRU TREATMENT CELLS
Miscellaneous Mine
Dumps
Mary P Mine
Edith Mine
Paymaster Mine
Upper Mike Horse Creek
Pictorial Slides To Follow
Mike Horse
Tailings
• 1975 Flood Damage
• Subsequent Repairs
• Future Activities
-72-
-------
Case Study #6
Innovative Approaches To Address Environmental Problems for the
Upper Blaclcfoot Mining Complex
PartS
Thomas Mclntyre
MSE, Inc.
Butte, MT
Tom Mclntyre has a degree in mineral processing engineering from Montana College of
Mineral Science and Technology. Since graduating in 1981, Mr. Mclntyre has worked in the
lead industry with ASARCO, Inc., and in the environmental industry for MSE, Inc. He spent 11
years with ASARCO, working initially as an operations department head for all of the
departments within ASARCO—East Helena Primary Lead Smelter. Mr. Mclntyre later was put
in charge of special projects, which included a stint as plant engineer.
Since leaving ASARCO in 1991, Mr. Mclntyre has worked for MSE, Inc., primarily on the staff
of the Mine Waste Technology Pilot Program (MWTPP). He is the technical project manager
for MWTPP Activity III, Projects 2 and 3. Additionally, Mr. Mclntyre is working towards an M.S.
in metallurgical engineering with an emphasis on mine waste.
-73-
-------
GROUTING AS A HYDROGEOLOGICAL CONTROL
FOR ACID ROCK DRAINAGE REDUCTION
AT THE MIKE HORSE MINE
NEAR LINCOLN, MONTANA
MINE WASTE TECHNOLOGY
PILOT PROGRAM
ACTIVITY III, PROJECT 2
T. MCINTYRE
and
A. L. MCCLOSKEY
MOBILE TOXIC CONSTITUENTS - WATER
METALS, SEMI-METALS AND SOME
NON-METALS
A RESULT OF, IN PART, ACID
GENERATION
TRANSPORT OF SOLUBLE SPECIES
PROVIDED BY WATER INFLOWING
INTO MINES FROM THE LOCAL
HYDROLOGY
MINING/MINERAL PROCESSING
ROLE
• INDIRECT MECHANISMS, I.E.,
CHANGES IN GEOLOGY AND
HYDROGEOLOGIC SYSTEM
DIRECT MECHANISMS, I.E.,
REAGENT USAGE, CRUSHING
AND GRINDING. ETC.
Photo of Mike Horse Mine Portal Pre-May 1993
-74-
-------
CLAY-BASED GROUTING
DEMONSTRATION PROJECT
TECHNOLOGY DESCRIPTION
* SITE CHARACTERIZATION
+ GROUT FORMULATION
* GROUT PLACEMENT
CLAY-BASED GROUTING
DEMONSTRATION PROJECT
SITE CHARACTERIZATION
«• PHYSICAL GEOLOGY
+ HYDROGEOLOGY
+ GEOCHEMISTRY
* PHYSICAL-MECHANICAL PROPERTIES OF
ROCK
APPLICATION - ASARCO INCORPORATED'S
MIKE HORSE MINE
CLAY-BASED GROUT SELECTION
ENVIRONMENTALLY SOUND CHEMICAL
COMPOSITION
• KAOLINITIC/ILLITIC CLAYS
• PORTLAND CEMENT
• FLY ASH FILLER
• PROPRIETARY ADDITIVES
-75-
-------
APPLICATION - ASARCO INCORPORATED'S
MIKE HORSE MINE
CLAY-BASED GROUT SELECTION (continued)
+ PAST HISTORY
+ LOW MAINTENANCE
* RHEOLOGICAL PROPERTIES
* STRUCTURAL/MECHANICAL PROPERTIES
4- COST vs TREATMENT TECHNOLOGIES
APPLICATION - ASARCO INCORPORATED'S
MIKE HORSE MINE
COMPLETED SITE CHARACTERIZATION
* SITE SURFACE GEOLOGY
* SITE PHYSICAL GEOLOGY/LITHOLOGY
* AQUIFER TESTING
• SLUG TESTS
• STATIC GROUNDWATER LEVEL
APPLICATION - ASARCO INCORPORATED'S
MIKE HORSE MINE
COMPLETED SITE CHARACTERIZATION
(continued)
* TRACER TESTING
* FLOW MEASUREMENTS
+ ROCK MECHANICS
-76-
-------
Mike Horse Mine Site Map
Project Site Map
Photo of Site
Photo of Drilling
Photo of Core
Photo of Borehole Plugging
Photo of WellenCo - Geophysical
Photo of WellenCo - Geophysical
Geological Cross Section
Geological Cross Section
APPLICATION - ASARCO INCORPORATED'S
MIKE HORSE MINE
TESTS TO BE UTILIZED FOR EVALUATION
+ WATER BALANCE
+ AQUIFER TESTING
+ TRACER TESTING
• CORE DRILLING
-77-
-------
-------
Technologies To Address Environmental Problems at Inactive Mine Sites
Martin Foote
Mine Waste Technology Pilot Program
MSE, Inc.
Butte, MT
Dr. Foote has a B.S. in chemistry and an M.S. in geochemistry from Montana College of
Mineral Science and Technology, and a Ph.D. in geology from the University of Wyoming. He
has worked as a geologist, geochemist, and consultant to the mining industry for 11 years. He
also has worked with both federal and state regulatory organizations in environmental
remediation, permitting, and development.
Dr. Foote is employed by MSE, Inc., as a technical project manager for the Mine Waste
Technology Pilot Program. This program is funded by EPA and jointly administered by EPA and
Department of Energy (DOE) to conduct research and field demonstrations on new and
innovative technologies for treating or remediating mine wastes. He has served on the
Technology Screening Group for the In Situ Remediation Integrated program and reviewed
grant applications for the Small Business Innovation Research program for DOE.
-79-
-------
TECHNOLOGIES
TO
ADDRESS ENVIRONMENTAL PROBLEMS
AT
INACTIVE MINE SITES
MINE WASTE TECHNOLOGY PILOT PROGRAM
MARTIN FOOTE
MSE Inc.
SOURCE CONTROL TECHNOLOGIES
Bactericide Addition
Caps and Seals
In-Situ Vitrification
Inundation or Saturation
Reducing Atmosphere
SOURCE CONTROL TECHNOLOGIES (2)
Subsurface Plugging
Sulfide Extraction
Temperature Reduction
Water Control
-80-
-------
PATHWAY INTERRUPT TECHNOLOGIES
Alkaline Reagent Addition
Capping and Revegetation
Chemical Addition
Chemical Stabilization
Encapsulation
Plugs and Barriers
TREATMENT TECHNOLOGIES
Adsorption
Anoxic Limestone Drain
Biological Adsorption
Biological Reduction
Chelation Chromatography
TREATMENT TECHNOLOGIES (2)
Chemical Oxidation
Chemical Precipitation
Coagulation, Sedimentation, and Flocculation
Column Flotation
Copper Cementation
-81-
-------
TREATMENT TECHNOLOGIES (3)
Dilution
Distillation
Electrochemical Precipitation
Electrocoagulation
Electrodialysis
TREATMENT TECHNOLOGIES (4)
Electrokinetic Osmosis
Electrophoresis
Electrowinning
Evaporation
Filtration and Ultrafiltration
TREATMENT TECHNOLOGIES (5)
Freeze Crystallization
Froth Flotation
Gas Hydrate Formation
Ion Exchange
-82-
-------
TREATMENT TECHNOLOGIES (6)
Ion Flotation
Physical Oxidation
Reverse Osmosis
Solvent Extraction
-83-
*U.S. Governmsnt Printing Office: 1994 — 550-001/00152
-------
------- |