Kinetic AMD prediction for a mine tailings dump: A southern African mine case study

Sulfide-containing mine tailings dumps are known to pose the hazard of acid mine drainage (AMD). AMD is a metal-rich and acidic solution that is formed naturally when sulfide minerals react with water and oxygen, and its risks should be considered before, during, and after mining operations. It is critical to accurately predict AMD occurrence over time, so appropriate mitigation and/or treatment processes can be implemented. This study presents the use of a particles-based kinetic AMD predictor for long-term AMD occurrence profile prediction to determine the frequency and amount of AMD leachate produced that would need to be treated and/or processed to mitigate environmental issues. The AMD simulation was performed for a period of 30 years, taking into consideration anticipated monthly weather changes. This study forms the basis of a process to determine the optimal mitigation and/or treatment of the AMD leachates derived from Southern African copper mine tails.