Post-mine metal transport and attenuation in the Keno Hill mining district, central Yukon, Canada |
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| Authors: | Y T J Kwong C F Roots P Roach W Kettley |
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| Institution: | (1) National Hydrology Research Institute, 11 Innovation Boulevard, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada S7N 3H5, CA;(2) Geological Survey of Canada, Canada-Yukon Geoscience Office, 2099 Second Avenue, Whitehorse, Yukon, Canada Y1A 2C6, CA;(3) Water Resources Division, Northern Affairs Program, 345–300 Main Street, Whitehorse, Yukon, Canada Y1A 2B5, CA |
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| Abstract: | The Keno Hill mining district in central Yukon was the second largest silver producer in Canada with mines operating from
1913 to 1989 on more than 65 vein silver deposits. The seven and a half decades of mining activities have generated large
volumes of mine waste disposed on the land surface, resulting in elevated metal contents in numerous small drainages. To assess
the extent of metal mobilization, old mine workings and the associated mine waste were examined and the water courses draining
to a major river valley sampled. The results of field observations and an array of water and sediment analyses led to three
major conclusions. 1. Acid mine drainage is not widespread because of galvanic protection of pyrite from oxidative dissolution
and neutralization by carbonates in the country rock. 2. Mechanisms operative to limit aqueous metal transport in small streams
in the district include cryogenic precipitation, coprecipitation and sorption. 3. The near-surface concentration of metals
limits the options of waste disposal in future mining developments due to potential metal-leaching problems.
Received: 12 December 1995 · Accepted: 26 March 1996 |
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| Keywords: | Environmental assessment Metal transport Attenuation mechanisms Remobilization: zinc cadmium |
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