The reports detail results from projects completed in 1989. “Field sampling manual for reactive sulphide tailings,” a new report prepared by Canect Environmental Control Technologies, gives the methodologies for collecting solid, liquid and pore-gas samples of tailings and their surrounding basins.
The simple-to-use indices and a useful flowchart should help mining companies select one of the 22 methods of sampling solids, 24 methods of sampling liquids and 8 gas-sampling methods described. The final chapter gives practical advice on how to maintain the quality of samples collected.
“Manual of methods used in the revegetation of reactive sulphide tailings basins” describes the experience of the industry’s big four (Cominco, Falconbridge, Inco and Noranda) in the “art” of reclamation. The report addresses challenges of operating mines in the Canadian climate and gives details on planning a revegetation program, selecting fertilizers, types of vegetation, mulches and chemical stabilizers.
“Investigation of prediction techniques for acid mine drainage” presents the results of a project designed to evaluate various lab testing techniques proposed to predict the formation of acid mine drainage in various mine wastes. Nine standard tests and three new tests were evaluated by Coastech Research of Vancouver, using eight tailings samples and four waste rock samples from Canadian mines. Research to develop more reliable procedures and equipment will be the subject of future MEND projects.
Sixteen projects are under way and eight or 10 new ones will be initiated this year.
MEND is a 30-member government-industry joint venture formed in 1988 to study sulphide mine wastes and their effects on neighboring ecosystems.
The reports may be obtained from C. Nassan at (613) 995-4157.
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