Abstract
Acid–base accounting (ABA) is a static test used to evaluate pre-mining drainage quality of ores with interpretations based on a reference 3-data point model. The method is often complemented with a kinetic test to ensure certainty of results. The challenges associated with both methods compel companies to rely on only the ABA test, thereby compromising on the long-term drainage quality. This paper validates a proposed 4-data point model that was used to establish a 20% increase in the alkaline amendment of ores at the AngloGold Ashanti Obuasi Mine in Ghana. The validation was done using model limits, the robustness of coefficient of determination and model factor sequence variation. Acidification trends and mineralogical data evaluation of tailings were used to characterise pH buffer trends in mine drainage. The modified 4-data point model, which incorporates a vital kinetic test factor into the ABA model, provides a criterion for the adjustment of carbonate amendment value to improve acid neutralisation in the drainage; this would reduce (1) cost of experimentation, (2) turnaround time for analyses, (3) complexities associated with both test methods. From the XRD data, alunite and goethite are present in tailings to provide sustained pH buffering in drainage beyond the scope of the modified model, while the characterised pH buffer trend could be used for monitoring drainage quality.
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The authors acknowledge the staff and management of Environmental Services Department of AngloGold Ashanti, Obuasi mine, and the Materials Engineering Department Laboratory of KNUST, for their immense assistance during the laboratory work.
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Foli, G., Gawu, S.K.Y. Modified acid–base accounting model validation and pH buffer trend characterisation in mine drainage at the AngloGold Ashanti Obuasi mine in Ghana, West Africa. Environ Earth Sci 76, 663 (2017). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12665-017-7005-y
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12665-017-7005-y