Physical Sciences and Mathematics Commons^™

Mine Closure Of Pit Lakes As Terminal Sinks: Best Available Practice When Options Are Limited?, Clinton D. Mccullough, G. Marchand, J Unseld

Research outputs 2013

In an arid climate, pit lake evaporation rates can exceed influx rates, causing the lake to function as a hydraulic terminal sink, with water levels in the pit remaining below surrounding groundwater levels. We present case studies from Western Australia for two mines nearing closure. At the first site, modelling indicates that waste dump covers for the potentially acid forming (PAF) material would not be successful over the long term (1,000 years or more). The second site is a case study where PAF management is limited by the current waste rock dump location and suitable cover materials. Pit lake water …