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Each sample selected for geochemical testing was divided in half. The first half was tested as <br />received representing the tailings material in place in the tailings impoundment. An attempt was <br />made to separate the liquid and solid portions of the sampled tailings material to~analyze the pore <br />water quality. However, the tailings had dewatered such that insufficient jpore water was <br />retrieved to allow analyses. <br />The second half of each sample was subjected to repeated rinsing. The samples were rinsed <br />with a solution consisting of deionized water with the pH adjusted to 5.0 - 5.5. IThe rinsing was <br />performed by mixing approximately 12 parts liquid to 1 part solids in a container with zero head <br />space. The solution was allowed to equilibrate overnight. The liquid was decanted and analyzed <br />for pH and conductivity. The rinsing continued until the pH had was within aistable range. <br />The rinsing procedure was conducted in order to project the geochemical nature of the tailings <br />material without the presence of chemicals added during processing. Generally nine rinse cycles <br />were necessary to achieve the required results. However, rinse cycles cannot belcornlated with <br />a certain number of pore volumes due to the high liquid to solid ratio used. <br />A discussion of the actual rinsing procedures and pH and conductivity measurekrtents for each <br />rinse cycle are contained with the static and leachability test results in Appendit E. <br />2.3.2 Geochemical Test Proetam <br />The overall objective of the geochemical testing program was to evaluate post-Mining tailings <br />behavior (both long and short term) in terms of any potential that the material (might have to <br />impact the environment. Within this objective, the key elements of the geocMemical testing <br />program were to evaluate if the tailings will generate acid and assess what constituents may leach <br />from the tailings material. <br />Clearly, only if the chemical species from the tailings can be mobilized (i.e., leached), will they <br />have the potential to be transported. Containment within the lined tailings facilitly will prevent <br />u <br />