STUDY OF ROCK GEOCHEMICAL DISTRIBUTION AND ITS INDICATIONS FOR ACID MINE DRAINAGE MANAGEMENT OPTIONS

• Main Author: Nazmi Maolana, Aqmarina
• Format: Final Project
• Language: Indonesia
• Online Access: https://digilib.itb.ac.id/gdl/view/85387
• Institution: Institut Teknologi Bandung

Mining operations conducted based on a mine advancement plan over specific time periods until the end of the life of mine (LOM). One of the critical stages is the overburden stripping, which involves the removal and deposition of rock material. Overburden stripping is carried out progressively, starting from the uppermost layers and proceeding down to the bedrock, which results in the deepest layers potentially becoming the uppermost layers in the overburden dump at the end of the LOM. It is crucial to ensure that the material in the topmost layer does not trigger the formation of acid mine drainage (AMD). This study emphasizes the importance of geochemical analysis of rocks to prevent AMD. Geochemical analysis was conducted to determine the distribution of potentially acid-forming (PAF) and nonacid forming (NAF) materials across three boreholes, with a total of 21 samples. The analysis involved static tests, kinetic tests, and mineralogical assessments to identify the characteristics of each rock. Each borehole exhibited distinct distribution patterns of PAF and NAF, with a general trend of decreasing content with depth. The geochemical characteristics of each rock were then used to guide the management of AMD. The study results indicate that the option of AMD management through encapsulation is feasible for only one borehole, which is supported by the presence of NAF rock at the base, allowing this material to be utilized as the capping layer for the overburden stockpile at the end of the LOM.