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small, then a spatial composite grab sample of material from around the dump should suffice. If both <br />weathered and unweathered materials are present, operator may be required to test representative <br />samples of both. <br />Sampling of un-mined material in a new operation demands special consideration, and will often <br />require collection via core drilling. Sampling of representative material under these conditions requires <br />detailed knowledge of the mine plan and the geology, including the orebody configuration and grades. <br />By the time the orebody has been delineated, there will likely be plenty of representative drill core <br />available for sampling. <br />B. Types of Tests <br />Static tests: Static tests determine only the quantities of minerals or elements in the rock without <br />regard to leaching potential over time. Depending on the potential environmental impact, the Division <br />will generally require the following two types of static tests: <br />1) Mineralogical analysis such as whole rock analysis. <br />2) Acid-base accounting to calculate the acid-generating potential based on the relative <br />concentrations of carbon and sulfur (note: uranium mines will rarely possess sulfide <br />minerals in quantities sufficient to cause a net acid generating situation, so ABA <br />requirements will generally be less rigorous for operators of uranium mines). <br />Accelerated weathering tests: DRMS will require some type of accelerated weathering test, such as <br />the SPLP (Synthetic Precipitation Leaching Procedure; EPA method 1312, ASTM method D6234-98), <br />MWMP (Meteoric Water Mobility Procedure; ASTM method E2242-02), or a sequential batch test <br />(ASTM methods D-4793 or D-5284). The TCLP (Toxicity Characterization Leaching Procedure; EPA <br />method 1311) is not appropriate for mine rock characterization. For 112 designated mining operations, <br />or other sites that have potential to disturb acid or toxic-forming materials, the rigor of the accelerated <br />weathering tests should be increased to something of longer duration. Examples of approved methods <br />include conventional humidity cells (ASTM method D5744-07), modified humidity cells (ASTM <br />method D5744-96), standardized column leach tests such as ASTM method 1995-C, or a Soxhlet <br />reactor. The use of any accelerated weathering test will be subject to Division review and approval. <br />The material to be tested will likely vary from one site to the next due to variability in lithology, <br />mineralogy, geomorphology, mining and reclamation plans, hydrologic setting and other factors. The <br />sampling and analysis plan should be submitted to DRMS for approval beforehand. <br />The SPLP standard method calls for 100 grams of sample of -9.5 mm size fraction, agitated in 2 liters <br />of solution for a liquid to solids ratio of 20:1. However, the USGS has developed a modified SPLP test <br />that uses 50 grams of sample of -2.0 mm fraction in 1 liter that has been shown to produce nearly <br />identical results. Therefore, either test would be acceptable to DRMS. <br />If tailings are to be the subject of the geochemical evaluation, then the rock should be crushed'and <br />screened even further such that the grain size of the rock closely approximates the grain size of the <br />tailings. A grain size of -60 mesh, or -0.25 mm should suffice. <br />