Collection and Use of Geochemical Data for Mine Overburden Management

Abstract

This paper presents a staged investigation strategy for assessing the geochemical nature of overburden and other mining wastes for developing environmentally sound waste management operations. The approach is based on the results of investigations carried out by the author at more than 20 mining operations in .Australia, New Zealand and Indonesia. Acidity, salinity, sodium (sodic) and heavy metal aspects are considered and testing programs outlined. Data on acid generation from 10 sites is presented which demonstrates that short term leaching tests can lead to serious errors in the assessment of results.

Environmental Aspects of Trace Elements in Coal

“…Characterisation includes both lateral and vertical delineation of materials considered either physically or chemically Miller, 1985;Bresler et al, 1982;Lindsay , 1979;USEPA, 1991 The regulations and guidelines for trace element determination differ from state to state. Overburden is characterised for selected physical and chemical properties that potentially could adversely affect either the reclaimed plant root zone or reclaimed aquifers.…”