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Life cycle assessment analysis of active and passive acid mine drainage treatment technologies

Author

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  • Hengen, Tyler J.
  • Squillace, Maria K.
  • O'Sullivan, Aisling D.
  • Stone, James J.

Abstract

Acid mine drainage (AMD), resulting from open-cast coal mining, is currently one of the largest environmental challenges facing the mining industry. In this study, a life cycle assessment (LCA) was conducted to evaluate the environmental impacts associated with the construction, operation and maintenance of different AMD treatment options typically employed. LCA is a well-reported tool but is not documented for AMD treatment systems despite their ubiquitous implementation worldwide. This study conducted detailed LCA analysis for various passive and active AMD treatment approaches implemented or considered at a major coal mine in New Zealand using a comparative functional unit of kg acidity removed per day for each treatment option. Eight treatment scenarios were assessed including active limestone and hydrated lime treatments, and compared to passive treatments using limestone and waste materials such as mussel shells. Both midpoint and endpoint LCA impact categories were assessed. Generally, the active treatment scenarios demonstrated greater LCA impacts compared to an equivalent level of treatment for the passive treatment approaches. Lime slaking had the greatest LCA impacts, while passive treatment approaches incurred consistently less impacts except for one passive treatment with a purchased energy scenario. A 50% reduction in transportation distances resulted in the lowest LCA impacts for all scenarios. This study highlights the importance of evaluating the environmental and social impacts of AMD treatment for the mining industry.

Suggested Citation

  • Hengen, Tyler J. & Squillace, Maria K. & O'Sullivan, Aisling D. & Stone, James J., 2014. "Life cycle assessment analysis of active and passive acid mine drainage treatment technologies," Resources, Conservation & Recycling, Elsevier, vol. 86(C), pages 160-167.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:recore:v:86:y:2014:i:c:p:160-167
    DOI: 10.1016/j.resconrec.2014.01.003
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Beauchemin, Karen A. & Henry Janzen, H. & Little, Shannan M. & McAllister, Tim A. & McGinn, Sean M., 2010. "Life cycle assessment of greenhouse gas emissions from beef production in western Canada: A case study," Agricultural Systems, Elsevier, vol. 103(6), pages 371-379, July.
    2. Tuazon, D. & Corder, G.D., 2008. "Life cycle assessment of seawater neutralised red mud for treatment of acid mine drainage," Resources, Conservation & Recycling, Elsevier, vol. 52(11), pages 1307-1314.
    3. Cherubini, Francesco & Bird, Neil D. & Cowie, Annette & Jungmeier, Gerfried & Schlamadinger, Bernhard & Woess-Gallasch, Susanne, 2009. "Energy- and greenhouse gas-based LCA of biofuel and bioenergy systems: Key issues, ranges and recommendations," Resources, Conservation & Recycling, Elsevier, vol. 53(8), pages 434-447.
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    Cited by:

    1. Chen, Weidong & Wu, Fangyong & Geng, Wenxin & Yu, Guanyi, 2017. "Carbon emissions in China’s industrial sectors," Resources, Conservation & Recycling, Elsevier, vol. 117(PB), pages 264-273.

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