B - Operations – Transporting – 08 – B
Patent
B - Operations, Transporting
08
B
61/2.1
B08B 15/00 (2006.01)
Patent
CA 2010102
ABSTRACT This invention provides a reliable, long lasting, yet indefinite-lasting sealant for mine tailings and rock waste components. Mining operations which involve large scale excavation and movement of soil or rock unavoidably lead to significant impacts on the surrounding natural environment. The development and implementation of reliable environmental protection techniques can enhance both mining, activity and environmental maintenance. One of the most damaging impacts of many mining operations is the exposure of minerals to the open air where they may become vulnerable to acidification and release harmful contaminants. This is known as "acid mine drainage" which is the creation of acidic conditions through the exposure and oxidation of sulfide minerals at a mine site. Sulfide minerals and associated acidity can be found in many mine components, including mine walls, waste rock and tailings from mill processing. Acid mine drainage is reported at many types of precious-metal, base-metal and uranium mines. Current control techniques attempt, (1) to neutralize the acidity through the addition of limestone or other neutralizing minerals and/or (2) to prevent the acidity and the entry of water and oxygen which cause sulfide oxidation. The former method is a control approach whereas the latter is more correctly a preventative approach. Unfortunately, current technology for prevention is unreliable. Sealants such as concrete and asphalt appear to be initially successful but become permeable through time due to fractures and crevices created during freeze-thaw and due to desiccation.
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