Acidic Mining Lakes

Acidification is a universal problem at all mining sites in which oxygenated water comes in contact with sulfide minerals or other reduced sulfur compounds. An International Workshop was held in September 1995 at the Department for Inland Water Research of the UFZ-Centre for Environmental Research in Magdeburg on the limnology of lakes created by open-cast lignite mining, emphasizing the often observed geogenic acidification after oxidation of pyrite. The volume has 25 chapters including a chapter with results of group discussions about the topics mentioned above and further problems that were identified during the meeting. The monograph gives a baseline of the state of science on the worldwide problem of geogenic acidification of lakes following human mining activities.

This monograph provides an international perspective on pit lakes in post-mining landscapes, including the problem of geogenic acidification. Much has been learned during the last decade through research and practical experience on how to mitigate or remediate the environmental problems of acidic pit lakes. In the first part of the book, general scientific issues are presented in 21 contributions from the fields of geo-environmental science, water chemistry, lake physics, lake modeling, and on the peculiar biological features that occur in the extreme habitats of acidic pit lakes. Another chapter provides an overview of methods currently used to remediate acidic pit lakes and treat outflowing acidic water. The second part of the book is a collection of regional surveys of pit lake problems from three European countries and Australia, and case studies of various individual representative lakes. A final case study provides an innovative approach to assessing the economic value of new pit lakes and balancing the costs and benefits, a valuable tool for decision makers.

Water quality of pit lakes is one of the most critical environmental issues facing the global mining industry. As ore grades decrease and operators strive to improve efficiency, the number of active pit mines will continue to outpace their underground counterparts in the years ahead. How will these water resources be protected for future generations while the mining industry continues to meet society's growing demands for raw materials? The key to solving this dilemma is accurately predicting the water quality in advance of open pit mining. That's the purpose of Mine Pit Lakes. The third in a series of six handbooks by the Acid Drainage Technology Initiative--Metal Mining Sector (ADTI-MMS), this volume includes the latest thinking from dozens of internationally respected experts from Canada, Germany, Australia, and the United States. You'll learn both the theory and science of predicting pit lake water quality and get insights into the best practices of pit lake management. This book is an indispensable resource for mining professionals and environmental regulators who are considering new open pit mines or are developing monitoring programs or closure strategies for existing ones.

For greater recreational potential of stripmine lakes, certain fundamental limnological information and the unique water chemistry resulting from leaching of substances contained in the cast overburden of the lakes were investigated. Increasing levels of dissolved oxygen and decreasing concentrations of dissolved substances showed environmental trends in surface waters. These tendencies were somewhat obscured by differences in the annual cycles of stratification, four of the lakes proving to be unexpectedly meromictic. Biological changes associated with increasing pH included increasing diversity and increasing homeostasis. Both pH and circulation patterns (meromixis vs. holomixis) influenced biomass, and bottom fauna was further limited by the steep-sided basin form. All stripmine lakes had much higher solute concentrations and lower biological diversity than a small local non-stripmine reservoir studied as control. Sport fishing in stripmine lakes could be improved by management techniques.

Basics of Metal Mining Influenced Water is a must-read for planners, regulators, consultants, land managers, students, researchers, or others concerned about the environmentally sound management of metal mine wastes and drainage quality. The first of a series of six handbooks on technologies for managing metal mine and metallurgical process draining, this book offers a unique, comprehensive perspective on the subject. Unlike other texts that focus primarily on acid drainage from coal mines, the authors examine both acidic and neutral pH waters that can be hazardous to the environment. Planning a new mine in today s increasingly contentious regulatory and political environment demands a different philosophy. Basics of Metal Mining Influenced Water takes an innovative, holistic approach by considering all aspects of the mine life cycle, including closure. Written by a team of experts from state and federal governments, academia, and the mining industry, Basics of Metal Mining Influenced Water also discusses the major physical and chemical relationships between mining, climate, environment, and mine waste drainage quality. The authors have included an extensive glossary defining hundreds of technical terms for easier reading and understanding.

An encyclopedic work! This comprehensive volume is an impressive integration of European and North American research, providing the most complete information to date regarding the problems and solutions associated with aquatic liming. The book gives readers a thorough understanding of the complexities of liming by providing detailed information on design, use, and effects of liming systems for acidic surface waters. It also includes a complete and objective review of liming successes and failures, providing additional information to help readers determine how well a particular method will restore and protect the affected biota. This book is essential for anyone interested in the restoration of acidic lakes and streams.