| Abstrakt: |
The use of bactericides and probiotic inhibitors (combined) is an established, sustainable strategy for suppressing the oxidation of pyrite and the production of both acid rock drainage and neutral rock drainage. The strategy is based on sound science and engineering. Alone, the beneficial effects of bactericides such as anionic surfactants are temporary; overdosing would not improve the outcome and this approach and could actually harm the environment. Probiotic inhibitors such as applied organic wastes alone are also a temporary remedy. The organic matter will eventually be consumed, albeit slowly, the ATBFO community will rebound, and ARD/NRD production will return. Based on case studies, a sequential ARD inhibition strategy appears to hold the most promise where: • The ATBFO community is decimated with anionic surfactant bactericides, • Introduced organic matter and an inoculum produces a new bacterial community that out-competes the weakened ATBFO microbial suite, and • The new organic-based bacterial community is supported and sustained by the organic/ humic acids generated by surface vegetation. This ARD-suppressing sequence of Decimate, Out-Compete, and Sustain involving the combined use of bactericides, probiotic inhibitors, coupled with sustainable vegetation could provide a "walk-away" remedy for many mine sites at a cost much less than perpetual mine water treatment. Using off-the-shelf technology, the mining industry can advance toward a walk-away remedy for ARD that will improve the bottom line for many sulfide ore projects (both legacy and planned), and preserve its social license to mine. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] |
