Formation of mine water composition and analysis of treatment methods

Abstract

Formation of mine water inflow compositions is discussed, and the methods of mine water treatment are described. Mine water has different chemistry depending on hydrological, geological and geotechnical factors, as well as on depth of mining. Formation of mine water on higher horizons takes place under the influence of oxidation processes, while reduction processes are typical of lower levels. With an increasing depth, hydrocarbonate water changes into carbonate-sulfate and sulfate-hydrocarbonate water. The main pollutants of mine water are identified, the methods of mine water treatment are reviewed, the criteria of application of mine water treatment methods are specified, and the advantages and disadvantages of the methods are described. In terms of the Kirov Mine, the structure of mine water treatment facilities is considered. It is found that equipment included in the process flow chart ensure good removal of various size suspended solids from water and partially remove iron ions (when its oxidation goes to an insoluble form). However, some heavy metals remain in mine water. This fact is proved by the background concentrations observed in the places of mine water discharge in the Inya river. In the Inya water river, some contaminants exceed MAC, namely, total iron, manganese, copper, ion nitrite, etc. The authors describe the treatment methods and equipment used in coal mines in Kuzbass. There is a wide range of mine water treatment methods, but the technologies in application mainly reduce to mechanical purification which enables efficient removal of suspended solids, oil products, bacterial pollution and, partly, iron. In compliance with the requirements to mine water treatment quality, mines should modernize treatment facilities and introduce new advanced technologies, i.e. provide an integrated solution of the mine water treatment problem, and should anticipate usability of treated mine water and dregs.