Author: Devin N. Castendyk

Publisher: SME

Published: 2009

Total Pages: 317

ISBN-13: 0873353056

Water quality of pit lakes is one of the most critical environmental issues facing the global mining industry. As ore grades decrease and operators strive to improve efficiency, the number of active pit mines will continue to outpace their underground counterparts in the years ahead. How will these water resources be protected for future generations while the mining industry continues to meet society's growing demands for raw materials? The key to solving this dilemma is accurately predicting the water quality in advance of open pit mining. That's the purpose of Mine Pit Lakes. The third in a series of six handbooks by the Acid Drainage Technology Initiative--Metal Mining Sector (ADTI-MMS), this volume includes the latest thinking from dozens of internationally respected experts from Canada, Germany, Australia, and the United States. You'll learn both the theory and science of predicting pit lake water quality and get insights into the best practices of pit lake management. This book is an indispensable resource for mining professionals and environmental regulators who are considering new open pit mines or are developing monitoring programs or closure strategies for existing ones.