Technical Papers

A Calibrated Predictive Geochemical Model of Leaching and Attenuation Reactions in a Mine Pit Lake

Abstract:

A geochemical model was developed to predict future water quality of the Cove pit lake in support of site closure and regulatory permitting. The terminal, groundwater-fed Cove pit lake began filling in 2001, and water-quality samples from the 15-year filling period were used to calibrate the pit-lake model and evaluate the accuracy of the predictions. Inputs to the pit-lake model included geochemical characterization results and a calibrated groundwater flow model. Modeling included the processes of mineral dissolution and precipitation, gas exchange, and adsorption. The results of the geochemical model assess long-term chemogenetic effects on water quality and, overall, closely match observed chemistry for a variety of constituents. This work highlights the applicability of various geochemical datasets to predictive modeling, evaluates discrepancies between observed and predicted water quality, and presents geochemical modeling techniques used to achieve predictions that are both representatives of observed water quality and useful for evaluating future pit-lake chemistry.

Citation:

Hanna, B.T, Newman, C.P., Sterrett, R.J. “A Calibrated Predictive Geochemical Model of Leaching and Attenuation Reactions in a Mine Pit Lake,” in Tailings and Mine Waste ’16, CRC Press, 2016

Authors:

Braden Hanna

Robert Sterrett

Link to Full Text:

Pit-Lake Geochemical Model.pdf

Latest News
  • Itasca has announced the release of FLAC2D v9 Itasca has announced the release of FLAC2D v9, revolutionizing the way we analyze and predict...
    Read More
  • 6th Itasca Symposium on Applied Numerical Modeling The next Itasca Symposium will take place June 3 - 6, 2024, in Toronto, Canada....
    Read More
  • Itasca International Inc. announces the Selection of its New CEO Itasca International Inc. announces the Selection of its New CEO ...
    Read More

Upcoming Events
19 Nov
Getting Started with FLAC2D/FLAC3D
This training is an introduction to continuous modeling with FLAC2D and FLAC3D. At the end of the course, participants will master the ... Read More