Technogenic Impact of Sulphide-Containing Wastes Produced by Ore Mining and Processing at the Ozernoe Deposit: Investigation and Forecast

The paper provides an assessment of the potential technogenic impact of sulphide-containing wastes produced by ore extraction and processing at the Ozernoe deposit, which is currently at the initial stage of mining. The analysed averaged samples of ore and wastes of mining and processing were obtained in the course of semi-industrial experimental preproduction. The results of monitoring studies in the area of sulphide-containing dumps formed at an exploring mine in the 1960s were used for assessing a potential hazard of the wastes. The origin of acid mine drainage is described. Advantages and shortcomings of tests assessing acid mine drainage are considered. The used express-method of acid indication allows to reliably determine the risk of acid mine drainage by the values of acidic and neutralising potentials formed by rocks. An estimation of acid mine drainage formation and heavy metal migration is carried out at dumps of the exploring mine. The forecast of environmental impact is given for the future wastes of mining and processing at the Ozernoe deposit.