Acid Mine Drainage
Remediation

Cost-Effective Technologies for Acid Mine Drainage Remediation

with Flottweg decanter centrifuges

Acid mine drainage (AMD), also known as acid rock drainage (ARD) or mine-influenced water, poses significant environmental challenges. Toxic water from abandoned or active mines can harm ecosystems, contaminate water bodies, and endanger human health. Uncontrolled discharge of highly acidic water rich in heavy metals can pose immense risks to soil, water, humans, and the biosphere for hundreds or even thousands of years.

Flottweg separation technology provides support with the active and mobile remediation of acid mine drainage. Our machines and systems are designed to meet the special requirements of the mining industry. Various setting options make it easy to adapt the machines to different raw materials and product properties, especially ultra-fines resulting from ferric iron contamination.

How to actively remediate acid mine drainage – High-density sludge (HDS)

The active treatment of acid mine drainage (AMD) involves a multi-step process to ensure the safe disposal of contaminants and the recovery of reusable water.

The first step begins with the introduction of AMD-affected water into the neutralization phase. Here, the acidic water undergoes chemical treatment to raise its pH level, neutralizing the harmful acids and precipitating out heavy metals and other contaminants. The next step involves the thickening of the neutralized water. During this phase, the treated water is separated into two distinct streams: a clear overflow, which consists of relatively clean water, and a waste underflow, which is a concentrated sludge containing the settled contaminants. The last step focuses on the dewatering of the waste sludge underflow. This is achieved using a centrifuge, which effectively extracts the water content from the sludge. The result is two by-products: recycled water, which can be reintroduced into the treatment process or safely discharged, and dry solids waste, which is compact and suitable for transportation, long-term storage, or disposal.

This systematic approach ensures that AMD-affected water is treated efficiently, minimizing environmental impact and facilitating the recovery of valuable resources. Compared to the less effective and only short-lasting passive treatment systems of AMD, active processing has decisive advantages for a sustainable mining industry and nature.

Example process for active treatment of mine-influenced, contaminated water

Mobile Treatment Center

For AMD-affected regions with multiple legacy sites, or for active mine sites with geographic constraints, Flottweg’s AMD Mobile Treatment Center serves as a compact solution which is transportable for treatment at multiple locations.