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CALCULATED ACID–BASE BALANCE FOR H₂O₂ OXIDATION OF CARBONATE-POOR PYRITIC MINE-ROCK

Paul A. Weber, Joan E. Thomas, William M. Skinner and Roger St.C. Smart^¶

Ian Wark Research Institute, University of South Australia, Adelaide 5095, Australia

An assessment of the net acid–base account following H₂O₂ oxidation of mine rock was established by chemical calculations based on the molar quantity of neutralizing cations (Na, K, Mg, Ca) and acid-generating S released during the Net Acid Generation (NAG) test. These neutralizing cations are derived from both silicates and carbonates; in carbonate-poor samples (ANC_carb < 5 kg H₂SO₄/t), however, the acid-neutralization capacity of silicate may be more important in neutralizing acidity than carbonate ANC. Testing is not recommended for samples that have significant concentrations of non-acid-forming S, non-neutralizing cations or non-acid-forming sulfide minerals, such as galena.

Keywords: acid rock-drainage, acid-neutralization capacity, net acid generation (NAG) test, H₂O₂, acid mine-drainage, pyrite oxidation, acid–base accounting.