Leachability of metals from gold tailings by rainwater: An experimental and geochemical modelling approach.
Date
2016-01
Authors
Grover, B.P.C.
Johnson, R.H.
Tutu, H.
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
South African Water Research Commission
Abstract
Mine leachates from gold tailings impoundments usually contain elevated concentrations of metals and sulphates that impact negatively on water quality. This study was aimed at assessing the leachability of such metals from tailings by rainwater. Oxidised and unoxidised tailings were leached experimentally and through simulations using the PHREEQC geochemical modelling code. The results revealed that the majority of readily leachable metals were held in secondary mineral phases, mainly sulphates. A good agreement between experimental and modelling techniques was obtained, indicating the potential use of geochemical modelling in future metal release studies for the site. A list of reactive minerals for the tailings material was compiled. These minerals may or may not be present in the tailings; however, the list provides a means of estimating future reactivity or bulk metal release from the tailings.
Description
Keywords
Geochemistry, Gold, Metals, Minerals, Water quality Elevated concentrations, Geochemical modelling, Gold tailings, Leachable metals, Metal release, Mineral phasis, Modelling techniques, Reactive minerals, concentration (composition), experimental study, geochemistry, leachate, leaching, rainwater, sulfate, tailings, water quality
Citation
Grover, B.P.C., Johnson, R.H. and Tutu, H. 2016. Leachability of metals from gold tailings by rainwater: An experimental and geochemical modelling approach. Water SA 42(1), pp.38-42.