Projects
Literature Search Projects for which Proposals have been received:
In response to requests for proposals a number of proposals were received for three literature search projects. The titles and scopes are:
Field Validation Study for Metal Mining States. Produce a report identifying available data describing the effectiveness of mine waste drainage quality prediction and remediation techniques that have been implemented. A survey will be conducted to identify the availability and extent of geochemical data on rocks and tailings deposits, and governmental files on water quality data from mine sites at which confidentiality agreements are not prohibitive. These data would be compiled state by state. This would be the initial phase of a project to build a database on the effectiveness of prediction methods and mitigation techniques.
Metals Loading and Deposition Model for Streams and Reservoirs. Conduct a search to identify literature and locations of sources of information (including USGS data) that would lead to the development of a model describing metal loadings from mining areas to streams and reservoirs, as well as areas of metal deposition. In a subsequent project, the information identified would ideally be used to target areas for both remediation and resource recovery.
Passive Treatment Flow Chart. Produce a report extending the passive treatment "flow chart" concept that the USBM developed for coal mining ARD/AMD to apply to metal mining situations with variable chemistries and weather conditions.
The proposals are currently under review by the appropriate sub-committees. Funding targets of $10,000 per project were established for 2001. The work identified for 2001 will form the first phase of much more extensive future research on these topics. Funding sought for 2001: $30,000.
Additional Compilation and Analysis of Existing Data:
Database on remediation technologies - a database on metal mining remediation technologies will be compiled in cooperation with the USACE. While this project can be initiated in 2001, the bulk of the work will be performed in 2002. No specific budget is identified for this project at this stage.
Impacts from acid drainage from non-coal mines - conduct a literature search of existing data to identify sources of information needed to quantify impacts on water from non-coal mines in the US in terms of stream miles, watershed acreage, number of sites and groundwater acreage. Produce a consensus-reviewed report that can be used as the basis for an RFP to carry out the study on the impacts of abandoned mine lands on water resources.
Mining districts with potential acid drainage problems - identify mining districts that have potential acid drainage problems. Field validation studies in areas of mining to determine to acid drainage potential. Include water, stream sediment, soil, mine waste piles, tailings sampling.
Risk assessment methodology - define a method of evaluating risk assessment of acid mine drainage using available data sets and test the method (similar to mineral resource assessments of the USGS). Define a method, including a classification scheme (parallel to the USGS mineral resource classification).
Mine waste dump sampling methodology - define a method of sampling mine waste piles in order to evaluate their risk for acid mine drainage. Develop and test sampling techniques.
General mine waste mine waste management informational compilation and digestion - A large amount of new information is available on a regular basis regarding acid drainage in metal mines. The information includes published papers (white literature), unpublished information (gray literature) and ongoing work. Summaries of this information will be compiled by senior researchers and will help update federal and state regulatory personnel and others dealing with mining environmental issues. This is a new initiative and funding will be necessary for start-up and maintenance. Funding sought for 2001: $100,000.
Molycorp Questa Mine, New Mexico
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