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U.S. Department of Energy
Office of Scientific and Technical Information

Deep coal mining: waste disposal technology

Book ·
OSTI ID:7336535
When coal containing iron pyrite is exposed to the atmosphere, the pyrite is oxidized by complex chemical processes, usually with aid from certain bacteria, to form soluble iron compounds and sulfuric acid. As a result of drainage of this acid mine water from active and abandoned coal mines and from mineral waste spoil banks, serious detrimental environmental and ecological results have occurred in many areas of the eastern USA. Methods of preventing the problem by sealing abandoned mines and refuse spoil banks are given. Also, methods are described for controlling this pollution, based on nineteen government reports and seven patents. The various processes for neutralization of acid mine drainage, disposal of the resultant sludges, the role of iron oxidation, and methods of oxidizing iron are described. Treatment of acid mine drainage with soil, by ion exchange and reverse osmosis is detailed. The possible combined treatment of acid mine drainage and municipal wastewater is evaluated. The underground disposal of mine wastes and control of drainage from refuse banks are also discussed. Reclamation of refuse banks by vegetation, as well as a method for extinguishing and removing burning refuse banks is described. (LTN)
OSTI ID:
7336535
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English