Chemical evolution of coal mine drainage in a non-acid producing environment, Wasatch Plateau, Utah, USA

Abstract

The causes and problems of coal mine drainage, particularly acid mine drainage, in the Eastern and Interior Coal Provinces of the United States are well documented. West of the Mississippi River, where coal mines account for about 45% of total US coal production and where acid mine drainage is rare, the chemical evolution of coal mine drainage is less well documented and understood. In this investigation, we have used solute and isotopic compositions of non-evolved inflow groundwater and evolved mine discharge water to quantify the chemical evolution of mine discharge water in a western underground coal mine. Water enters the mine from fractures and roof bolt holes, which intercept groundwater in the overlying rock. Carbon-14, and 3H data indicate that these waters recharged between 12,000 and 19,500 years ago. The TDS and solute compositions of roof drip waters are spatially zoned and TDS concentrations range from about 300 to 550 mg l −1. After the water encounters minerals and other substances in the mine, the chemical differences between various mine regions become more pronounced and the TDS of mine drainage water increases to about 850 mg l −1. The TDS of mine drainage is related to water–rock ratios. Mine drainage issuing from the older mined areas, where water–rock ratios are low, has the greatest TDS. Geochemical and isotopic mass balance calculations were performed to quantify chemical reactions in the mine, and to identify sources contributing to the TDS of mine drainage. Chemical reaction pathways evaluated include pyrite oxidation, dissolution of native and rock dust gypsum, dissolution of calcite and dolomite, precipitation of calcite, ion exchange, precipitation of iron hydroxide, and organic decomposition of mining machine emulsion fluid. Solute and isotopic mass transfer reaction calculations demonstrate that the oxidation of pyrite triggers a series of cascading in-mine chemical reactions that are the primary cause of the elevated TDS of mine drainage relative to the TDS of roof-drip water. Pyrite oxidation does not result in acid drainage because of the buffering effect of abundant carbonate minerals. Dissolution of gypsum, both native and gypsum dust previously used as rock dust, is also a significant contributor of SO 4 2−. Ion exchange of Ca 2+ on the sodium zeolite analcime, which occurs in the coal, accounts for an increase in Na + concentrations. Oxidation of fugitive longwall emulsion fluid produces abundant CO 2(g) some of which indirectly affect the TDS of mine drainage.