Treatment of acidic mine waters by the neutralization process

Mine water is one of the biggest challenges facing the global mining industry. This water is primarily produced by the oxidation of sulfide minerals when exposed to air, water, and microbial activity in active or abandoned mines containing polymetallic sulfide ores or coal mines. It is characterized by high acidity, with a pH value usually below 4, which usually indicates high concentrations of sulfates and dissolved metal ions. There are two different treatment strategies: removing toxic metals and reducing the acidity of mine water. Processes for neutralization of acid mine waters with lime are the most commonly used. This process has low operating costs. untreated acid mine water is used, and the regulation of the pH value with lime leads to the precipitation of insoluble metal hydroxides.