ISSN:
1432-0495
Keywords:
Key words Tailings
;
Sulfide minerals
;
Acid rock drainage
Source:
Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
Topics:
Geosciences
Notes:
Abstract Oxidation of a flotation-derived, low-sulfide tailings containing approximately 0.4 wt.% S was compared with simultaneously oxidized tailings containing 1.0 wt.% S and 2.5 wt.% S to assess their acid generating characteristics. Each tailings type was exposed to oxidation for three years in laboratory columns and in lysimeter pits in the field. In these tailings the sulfide mineral of principal concern with respect to acid generation is pyrrhotite (Fe 1-x S). In past studies the alteration of pyrrhotite has been characterized by initial replacement with marcasite (FeS2) and ferric iron sulfates, which are followed by development of ferric oxyhydroxides such as goethite and lepidocrocite. Macroscopic characterization of the tailings shows varying and progressive degrees of oxidation correlative with the three different sulfur contents. As expected, the tailings with the lowest sulfur content are the least oxidized, and those with the highest sulfur content have reacted the most. The column tests, which represent accelerated reaction conditions relative to those for the lysimeter pits, show much higher degrees of oxidation, and a markedly more distinct boundary between the oxidized and unoxidized zones; as well, differences among the three tailings types are more pronounced.
Type of Medium:
Electronic Resource
URL:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s002540050239
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