Printed in Nigeria THE MENACE OF ACID MINE DRAINAGE: AN IMPENDING CHALLENGE IN THE MINING OF (original) (raw)

2013

Abstract

Acid mine drainage (AMD) is one of the most significant environmental challenges facing the mining industry worldwide. It occurs as a result of natural oxidation of sulphide minerals contained in mining wastes at developmental, operating and closed/decommissioned mine sites. This contamination occurs when moving fresh surface water interacts with the rock through fissures, pores and faults, and over time it is changed chemically. These changes often make the water less than ideal for domestic use, and in extreme cases it can be dangerous. AMD may also adversely impact the surface water in streams and groundwater quality and land use due to its typical low pH, high acidity and elevated concentrations of metals and sulphate content. The development of AMD must be put under check because once it develops at a mine; its control can be difficult and expensive. Many a mining environment especially coal mining areas have suffered degradation as a result of acid mine drainage. The proposed ...

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