Abstract
The rationale for this paper was to examine the beneficial or detrimental effects of treating and disposing of process water from the production plant and wastewater from Rustler's Roost Gold Mine through a modified natural wetland system. Rustler's Roost is located in the wet/dry tropics, 90 km southeast of Darwin at the northern end of the Pine Creek Geosyncline in an area distant from the main centres of historic gold production. At the time of the trial, data on water quality indicated that elevated level's of Cu, Al, and NaCN (Total and WAD) Cr, Se and Zn were present in Rustler's Roost plant water. Wetland treatment was being examined as an alternative to traditional wastewater treatment options. With an increase in production wastewater expected for 1996/1997 wet season, disposal of wastewater would be essential to insure integrity of the hydraulic circuit. Release of waste was dependent on meeting release criteria set by the Controller of Water Resources in a site-specific discharge licence. A 3-month dry season trial was conducted by modifying a section of a relict creek system. Wastewater was introduced by pumping waste directly from retention ponds. Results of the trial indicated dramatic removal in metals from solution, in particular, Cu and cyanide species.
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