The Dupont passivation procedure uses the oxidizing power of potassium permanganate to create an inert manganese-iron oxide on sulfidic rock.  The sulfidic rock is treated with a permanganate and magnesium oxide slurry brought up to and held above pH 12.  The inert layer strongly resists oxidation, shown by oxidation simulation tests with hydrogen peroxide.  This method has been shown to be effective on a laboratory scale procedure.  We wish to further the research with: a pilot scale passivation test to scale procedure for mine application, a quick reference database of passivation effectiveness for various rock types, and better characterization of the passivated surface.

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University of Nevada, Reno
Last updated: 01/25/08