Physics
Scientific paper
Apr 1991
adsabs.harvard.edu/cgi-bin/nph-data_query?bibcode=1991gecoa..55..965b&link_type=abstract
Geochimica et Cosmochimica Acta, vol. 55, Issue 4, pp.965-978
Physics
10
Scientific paper
Investigations of inactive sulfide-rich tailings impoundments at the Heath Steele (New Brunswick) and Waite Amulet (Quebec) minesites have revealed two distinct types of cemented layers or "hardpans." That at Heath Steele is 10-15 cm thick, occurs 20-30 cm below the depth of active oxidation, is continuous throughout the tailings impoundment, and is characterized by cementation of tailings by gypsum and Fe(II) solid phases, principally melanterite. Hardpan at the Waite Amulet site is only 1-5 cm thick, is laterally discontinuous (10-100 cm), occurs at the depth of active oxidation, and is characterized by cementation of tailings by Fe(III) minerals, principally goethite, lepidocrocite, ferrihydrite, and jarosite. At Heath Steele, an accumulation of gas-phase CO 2 , of up to 60% of the pore gas, occurs below the hardpan. The calculated diffusivity of the hardpan layer is only about 1/100 that of the overlying, uncemented tailings. The pore-water chemistry at Heath Steele has changed little over a 10-year period, suggesting that the cemented layer restricts the movement of dissolved metals through the tailings and also acts as a zone of metal accumulation. Generation of a cemented layer therefore has significant environmental and economic implications. It is likely that, in sulfide-rich tailings impoundments, the addition of carbonate-rich buffering material during the late stages of tailings deposition would enhance the formation of hardpan layers.
Blowes David W.
Cherry John A.
Jambor John L.
Reardon Eric J.
No associations
LandOfFree
The formation and potential importance of cemented layers in inactive sulfide mine tailings does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this scientific paper.
If you have personal experience with The formation and potential importance of cemented layers in inactive sulfide mine tailings, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and The formation and potential importance of cemented layers in inactive sulfide mine tailings will most certainly appreciate the feedback.
Profile ID: LFWR-SCP-O-1791232