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58 <br />ore minerals in the bedrock and in tailings so that the <br />water will not deteriorate to a worse condition. Separation <br />can be by conduits and flumes; plastic pipe should be used to <br />eliminate corrosion. If the underground workings contain <br />carbonate rock, then consider the alternative of diversion <br />of the water to this area. The weathering reactions for <br />carbonate minerals discussed under rock weathering will keep <br />the water from further deterioration. In addition, contact <br />with carbonates should raise the pH of the water in the same <br />way as the use of lime. Separation from ore bearing rock to <br />places that are neutral or that can naturally cleanse the <br />water should reduce the maintenance effort needed at the surface. <br />WATER IN ABOVE-GROUND OPERATIONS <br />• In above-ground operations the important consideration <br />is the diversion of all rainfall and snowmelt away from <br />working areas. If this water invades the mining property, <br />then the operator is responsible for its maintenance. If <br />this water penetrates tailings piles, then it can weather <br />sulfide minerals and become an effluent of poor quality. An <br />article by Herricks and coworkers (40) shows how plans can <br />be made to control surface waters. They emphasize how the <br />location of surface operations can be used to promote good <br />water management. <br />A problem that often occurs is the mixing of waters <br />with tailings from abandoned mines or waters from abandoned <br />mines with recent tailings. This should definitely be avoided. <br />•