Influence of Cemented Layers on Contaminant Transport in Mine Tailings
Abstract
Exposure of sulfide-mine tailings to atmospheric oxygen leads to the initiation of a series of reactions, including sulfide oxidation, acid neutralization and metal attenuation reactions. As oxygen ingresses into the tailings, the oxidation front moves downward and inward from the edges of the tailings surface. At or near the acid neutralization front, secondary phases can accumulate, leading to the formation of hardpan layers. Field studies were conducted at three mine sites to evaluate the role of cemented layers in influencing contaminant transport from oxidized tailings. Detailed field measurements were made, including collection of water and gas samples from the vadose and groundwater zones. Cores were collected for mineralogical and chemical analyses to evaluate the extent of sulfide mineral oxidation and accumulation of secondary phases. Calculations of mineral saturation indices were made using ion-pair and ion-interaction models that were modified to account for the very high solute concentrations observed in the tailings pore waters. At a site that has been oxidizing for 25 years, a massive Fe(III)-bearing hardpan, containing gypsum, goethite and jarosite, has formed over the last 15 years. At a site that has been oxidizing for 35 years, an Fe(III)-bearing hardpan is also present. At a site that has been oxidizing for 70 years, a massive Fe(II)-bearing hardpan containing melanterite and gypsum is present below the zone of active oxidation. Above this zone, there are discontinuous Fe(III)-bearing cemented layers that are likely oxidized remnants of the original Fe(II) hardpan. Calculated mineral saturation indices are consistent with the observed accumulations of secondary phases. Transient perched water table conditions have developed above the massive Fe(II) hardpan, leading to the lateral transport of sulfide oxidation products along the hardpan and the formation of seepage zones above the permanent water table. Chemical extractions and mineralogical analyses show that trace metals are concentrated in the hardpan layers. Simulations using a reactive solute transport model show close agreement between the predicted and observed accumulations of secondary phases.
- Publication:
-
AGU Fall Meeting Abstracts
- Pub Date:
- December 2004
- Bibcode:
- 2004AGUFM.H13I..04P
- Keywords:
-
- 1803 Anthropogenic effects;
- 1829 Groundwater hydrology;
- 1831 Groundwater quality;
- 1875 Unsaturated zone;
- 1886 Weathering (1625)