Workbooks

The initial focus of ADTI-MMS is to develop workbooks on Sampling and Monitoring, Prediction, Mitigation, and Modeling. Each Technical Committee is responsible for the workbook in their respective topic area. The general objective of these workbooks is to compile, analyze and summarize existing technical information on environmental mine waste management. The workbooks will be useful for mine managers and planners (ie. mining industry), consultants, regulators, researchers, undergraduate and graduate students, and the general public. A Synopsis Workbook is also planned and the newly formed Pit Lake commitee will meet to determine if a workbook will be included in their work plan. Other technical committees and topics deemed of interest by the Metal Mining Sector Steering Committee may be added to the Workbook. 

Outlines on four workbooks were prepared on volunteered time and some subsequent financial support the Office of Surface Mining (OSM) and the US Environmental Protection Agency (US EPA). Initial drafts of the Mitigation and Prediction workbooks will be completed in 2001 and it is expected that consensus review will be completed by January 2002. Supplemental funding is needed to complete the Sampling and Monitoring Workbook and the Modeling Workbook. 

Participants of the technical committees will prepare summaries on environmental mining and metallurgical material waste management within their areas of technical expertise (Workbook). Such a report will include:

• types of mining (past, present, potential future), including rock types of economic interest and those adjacent to potential ores and mining methods (e.g. underground vs open pit);

• climatic setting of mining areas; 

• descriptions of the mine and metallurgical material characterization process, predictive tests used (i.e. assays, static, kinetic, rapid leach, other), geochemical modeling used for prediction, and needs for improved prediction; 

• methods used for ore and waste segregation in the field and their effectiveness; 

• descriptions of mitigative techniques applied, monitoring of mitigative techniques, and effectiveness of techniques;

• research on environmental mining and metallurgical material management conducted within their purview;

• other information deemed relevant to the environmentally sound management of mining and metallurgical materials;

• informational and other needs to improve the environmental management of mining and metallurgical materials.

1. Workbook Introduction

This section is now ready for review by those given access by the committee chair (Virginia McLemore). Click here to obtain access to the review process. 

2. Modeling Workbook

The ADTI-MMS Modeling Workbook will describe models available to address questions associated with impacts of metal mine wastes on water quality. The models available will be identified and their strengths, weakness, and appropriate application will be discussed. Publications describing applications of the models will be cited to provide additional insight. The introduction to this workbook is now ready for review by those given access by the committee chair (Andrew Nicholson ). Click here to obtain access to the review process.

3. Mitigation Workbook

The ADTI-MMS Mitigation Workbook will describe various techniques for preventing, controlling and treating water adverse impacts on water quality associated with metal mining wastes and associated metallurgical materials. The workbook will also include a set of case studies, including design details associated with failure to avoid repeating inadequate and inappropriate methods. Ultimately, the handbook will enable the user to objectively select the best, technologically proven, most economical method(s) suited to a particular situation. It should also aid in determining research needs and cost effectiveness for various options. The introduction to this workbook is now ready for review by those given access by the committee chair (Linda Figueroa). Click here to obtain access to the review process.

4. Sampling and Monitoring Workbook

The Sampling and Monitoring Workbook will provide a summary of various methods of sampling and monitoring mine drainage, as well as an assessment and the applicability of the methods. It will enable the user to select the best, technologically proven, most economical method suited to a particular situation, especially with regards to mine closure. The handbook will provide design details associated with failures, to avoid repeating previous applications of inadequate and inappropriate methods. It will also aid in determining research needs and cost effectiveness for various options. A report outline was developed and refined. A working committee meeting will be held in January in Denver. If funding can be obtained, completion of a draft workbook is anticipated by 31 December 2001.

5. Prediction Workbook

The objective of the report is to describe tools available for predicting drainage quality and provide an assessment of strengths and weaknesses of the protocols. Detailed description of protocols will be provided in the appendices. It is recognized that no one of these tools, or set of these tools, will be optimal for prediction at all operations. It is intended to be a technical document and is aimed at an audience with some understanding of metal mine waste composition, analysis, and dissolution. Such understanding will guide the selection of tools for a specific operation. References will be cited to provide additional background to assist the selection process. The introduction to this workbook is now ready for review by those given access by the committee chair (Kim Lapakko). Click here to obtain access to the review process.

6. Pit Lake Workbook

The Pit Lake Workbook will provide a summary of the methods available for classification, prediction, sampling and monitoring, and remediation of pit lakes. The overall objective of the workbook is to provide basic information on how to manage future or existing pit lakes. It is intended that the workbook be used as a guide for: 

• identifying what information should be collected prior to development of an open pit that may result in a pit lake,

• predictive modeling of both the hydrological aspects and the geochemical aspects of pit lakes

• identifying various methods currently available for management, remediation, or backfilling of pit lakes

The introduction to this workbook is now ready for review by those given access by the committee chair (Jim Jonas).