Modeling the effect of stratification on cemented layer formation in sulfide-bearing mine tailings

Abstract

Abstract Reactive transport simulations have been applied to investigate possible effects of stratification on the potential of sulfide-bearing mine tailings to form protective cemented layers. The simulations are based on characteristic strata found at a German tailings site, including sulfide-enriched heavy mineral layers, mica-enriched silt layers, and homogeneously mixed layers. The simulated secondary phases (jarosite, gypsum, amorphous ferric arsenate, amorphous Fe hydroxide, alunite, amorphous silica, and kaolinite) are similar to those observed in the field. Using scanning electron microscope analyses of cemented layers, it has been observed that the pore area becomes disconnected if the porosity is decreased to values below 15%, which would indicate a strong decrease in permeability. Stratification was found to play a crucial role in cemented layer formation. Cemented layers are absent or insignificant in systems with a homogeneous distribution of Fe-bearing sulfides. They are extensively developed in systems with (a) an arsenopyrite-rich layer or (b) a mica-enriched layer situated immediately below an Fe-sulfide enriched layer. The modeling results have clearly demonstrated that the key processes operating in scenario (a) are very different from the key processes in scenario (b). In scenario (a), the oxidation of arsenopyrite is followed by the precipitation of amorphous ferric arsenate, which can be solely responsible for significant pore reduction. In scenario (b), the presence of a large amount of reactive aluminosilicates (e.g. biotite and Ca-bearing plagioclase) immediately below the Fe-sulfide rich layer appears to be crucial. Key processes are extensive formation of Acid Rock Drainage (ARD) followed by enhanced (pH-driven) weathering of aluminosilicates, resulting in the accumulation of secondary phases directly below the Fe-sulfide rich layer. In both scenarios, a cemented layer is formed that effectively retards the further downward movement of the oxidation front. The presented details on the role of stratification in the formation of cemented layers could be considered in the construction of mining heaps as a possible measure to stimulate natural attenuation.