ML and ARD have been a major topic for industry, government and public in recent years. Contrary to popular believe, ML/ARD is not limited solely to the mining industry. ML/ARD has been identified as an environmental concern on a variety of projects, which require disturbance of rock. The effects of ML and ARD, which are not mutually dependent on each other, can be long-lasting and far-reaching and examples date back millennia.
To effectively predict the ML/ARD potential of rock, it is crucial to understand the underlying principles governing its formation and have a practical scope of work in place to characterize the potential. Without a clear geologic, mineralogical, and geochemical understating, ML/ARD effects can easily be overlooked with potentially catastrophic environmental and socio-economic consequences.
This presentation will aim to provide the audience with a practical and high-level overview of what the important key points are to consider in any ML/ARD study. The focus of the presentation will include the underlying geochemical and microbiological processes of ML/ARD and how these are identified through field observations and analytical testing requirements. This information will provide the audience with the knowledge necessary to properly scope and time studies to align with project schedules and requirements. Finally, this presentation will discuss the general prevention, management and mitigation philosophies currently utilized and what regulatory considerations should be included in ML/ARD studies.
Alexander Kaul, P.Geo.
Alexander Kaul, P.Geo., holds a degree in geology and is currently working as a Senior Environmental Geoscientist with the Major Mines Office of the Ministry of Energy, Mines and Low Carbon Innovation. His main area of expertise is geology and geochemistry. Alex is responsible for the review of metal leaching and acid rock drainage and geoscience information provided by major mines for regulatory permitting requirements. Alex has worked in the mineral exploration, mining and consulting industry for over a decade prior to joining the Public Service. Alex has worked with Golder Associated Ltd/WSP as a Geochemist for 9 years dealing with contaminated sites assessment, hydrogeologic baseline characterizations, and metal leaching and acid rock drainage assessments. Alex has extensive experience with civil construction, industrial and major mining projects.
