TY - THES

T1 - Estimation of the potential for the formation of acid rock drainage of the talc deposit Rabenwald

AU - Neumeister, Stefan

N1 - embargoed until null

PY - 2009

Y1 - 2009

N2 - The aim of this work was an estimation of the potential of the Rabenwald talc deposit regarding the formation of acid rock drainage (ARD). ARD is a term which describes leachate, seepage, and drainage that can be caused by the activity of the oxidation reaction of sulphide minerals with water and oxygen. Of all investigated rock types of the deposit only actinolite gneisses and calcsilicates show elevated contents of sulphur and hence the potential for ARD formation. The sulphides contained in the rocks are pyrrhotite, chalcopyrite, and pyrite. Kinetic tests like leaching tests make it possible to take evidence about the rate of acid generation and the amount of acid that will be produced ultimately. All in all four leaching tests with rock samples with different compositions were carried out. The results of the tests are clear and coherent. According to that, acid generation through actinolite gneisses and calcsilicates takes place in the open pit mine and the waste rock managment units. The produced acid is neutralized by alkaline rocks on-site however. Consequently no migration of acidic solutions happens. Thus the obtained results dont let assume a potential for the formation of ARD in the Rabenwald talc deposit.

AB - The aim of this work was an estimation of the potential of the Rabenwald talc deposit regarding the formation of acid rock drainage (ARD). ARD is a term which describes leachate, seepage, and drainage that can be caused by the activity of the oxidation reaction of sulphide minerals with water and oxygen. Of all investigated rock types of the deposit only actinolite gneisses and calcsilicates show elevated contents of sulphur and hence the potential for ARD formation. The sulphides contained in the rocks are pyrrhotite, chalcopyrite, and pyrite. Kinetic tests like leaching tests make it possible to take evidence about the rate of acid generation and the amount of acid that will be produced ultimately. All in all four leaching tests with rock samples with different compositions were carried out. The results of the tests are clear and coherent. According to that, acid generation through actinolite gneisses and calcsilicates takes place in the open pit mine and the waste rock managment units. The produced acid is neutralized by alkaline rocks on-site however. Consequently no migration of acidic solutions happens. Thus the obtained results dont let assume a potential for the formation of ARD in the Rabenwald talc deposit.

KW - acid rock drainage talc deposit Eastern Alps

KW - Acid Rock Drainage Talklagerstätte Ostalpen

M3 - Master's Thesis

ER -