Geochemistry & ARD

SRK's local office works with a global team of experienced and internationally recognized engineers and geoscientists to develop cost-effective solutions to mine drainage issues ranging from severe acidity to unusual trace elements. These issues are encountered during new mine permitting, optimization of existing operations, development of closure plans and closure of abandoned mines. SRK has the experience its mining clients need in addressing drainage chemistry at all stages of the mining cycle. At the same time, we also assist non-mining clients involved in rock handling, such as utilities, forestry companies and highway construction companies.

ARD potential is also affected by local climatic conditions. We have experience in the full range of global climates including permafrost in the high arctic, temperate regions, and both wet and dry regions of the tropics.

The cornerstone of SRK's approach to these projects is that release of acid rock drainage (ARD) is controlled by geological conditions. We therefore work with our clients' geologists to understand how the geology of their property affects drainage chemistry, and how it can be used to limit potential impacts and engineering costs.

SRK's international experts have published numerous papers and presented guidelines and courses on ARD in the UK, South Africa, Canada, the USA and South America.

Services:

• ARD assessment
• Implementation of ARD control measures, including soil and geomembrane covers, water covers, surface and underground diversions and passive and active water treatment schemes
• Hydrogeochemistry aspects related to mine water management, including environmental impact of discharges, water treatment and control, water supply, toxicology, water source and fluid mixing
• Management and closure of waste rock, tailings and heap leach facilities
• Chemical assessment of element concentrations in rocks, soils and sediments for exploration purposes
• Impact prediction, including geochemical, hydrogeological and hydrological modeling
  Assessment of contaminated land
• Assessment of pit lake water chemistry, long term predictions and pollutant control
• Cyanide geochemistry and waste treatment
• Chemical control and containment of pollutants from mining and industrial sources
• Geochemical quantitative modeling
• Design and supervision of rock characterization programs
• Expert witness