Sulphate generation in South African underground and opencast collieries |
| |
| Authors: | PD Vermeulen BH Usher |
| |
| Institution: | (1) Institute for Groundwater Studies, University of the Free State, 339, Bloemfontein, 9300, South Africa |
| |
| 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. |
| |
| Keywords: | Coalmines Underground Opencast Sulphate generation Flooding South Africa |
| 本文献已被 SpringerLink 等数据库收录！ |
|
