Mitigating the generation of acid mine drainage from copper sulphide tailings impoundments in perpetuity: A case study for an integrated management strategy

Hesketh, A H; Broadhurst, J L; Harrison, S T L

Mitigating the generation of acid mine drainage from copper sulphide tailings impoundments in perpetuity: A case study for an integrated management strategy

Journal Article

2010

Journal Title

Minerals Engineering

Link to Journal

http://www.journals.elsevier.com/minerals-engineering/

Publisher

Elsevier

Publisher

University of Cape Town

License

http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/

Abstract

Acid mine drainage (AMD) is one of the most serious and pervasive challenges facing the minerals industry. Current philosophy in sulfide tailings management takes an end-of-pipe approach which is yet to be shown to be sufficient to prevent post-closure impacts from AMD and guarantee “walk-away” status. An improved, integrated approach to tailings management and AMD mitigation is proposed, whereby conventional tailings are separated with the use of flotation into a largely benign tailings stream and a sulfide-rich product. The key features of this conceptual approach are outlined and partly demonstrated for the case of porphyry-type copper sulfide tailings. The significance of this approach is that it provides a basis for the identification of opportunities for the development of new process designs incorporating waste management systems for mitigating AMD in a manner consistent with the principles of cleaner production and sustainable development.