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Sulphate generation in South African underground and opencast collieries

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Environmental Geology

Abstract

Deterioration in the water quality results from coal mining, and the significant impact on the environment in South Africa has been reported (Funke in SA Water, Sci Technol 15:115–144; 1983). Pyrite in with South African coal can be oxidised to yield acidic and high salinity water. This study deals with the rate at which sulphate could be produced for collieries under different conditions. Four collieries in the Witbank coalfield were selected for this investigation. The boreholes were investigated with an in-situ multi-parameter probe, and then sampled at different times with a specific depth sampler to determine the chemical composition of the water in the collieries. Water level measurements and volumetric calculations were done to determine influx rates. Daily sulphate generation rate for underground mining was found to be in the range of 0.4–2.7 kg/ha, depending on the availability of oxygen and the residence time of the water (the time available for neutralising agents present to react) in the mining void. The exclusion of oxygen due to flooding and the presence of calcareous carbonates influences the observed sulphate generation.

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Acknowledgements

The authors gratefully acknowledge the Water Research Commission of South Africa, for their financial assistance over the duration of this study and Ingwe Coal and AngloCoal, for supplying information.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Institute for Groundwater Studies, University of the Free State, 339, Bloemfontein, 9300, South Africa

    P.D. Vermeulen & B.H. Usher

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  1. P.D. Vermeulen
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  2. B.H. Usher
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Correspondence to P.D. Vermeulen.

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Vermeulen, P., Usher, B. Sulphate generation in South African underground and opencast collieries. Environ Geol 49, 552–569 (2006). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00254-005-0091-2

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00254-005-0091-2

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