Conference Papers
Resource - Conference Papers
Wastewater Treatment
Passive treatment of acid mine drainage using waste mussel shell, Stockton Coal Mine, New Zealand
12/09/2012
Acid Mine Drainage (AMD), a result of historical and current coal mining, and the associated oxidation of pyrite within the coal measures, is a significant environmental liability for Stockton Opencast Mine, located on the West Coast of the South Island, New Zealand. This liability is likely to persist for at least 100 years. With up to 6,000 mm of rainfall per year, often in intensive events (some up to 100 mm/hr), water management is critical for the control of adverse effects that include low pH, dissolved metals (including aluminium), and high suspended solids in drainage waterways. Traditionally, neutralisation of AMD at Stockton coal mine has been carried out by direct dosing of ultra-fine limestone (UFL) to affected waterways.