Author(s)

E De Souza

Abstract

Contamination of porous media by contaminant carrying liquids dissipated from mine tailings has, in recent years, become a serious environmental concern as these pollutants can increase the levels of dissolved contamination in excess of those acceptable by drinking water standards. This paper describes a scientific study undertaken to assess the release of brine and salt contaminated rain water from tailings piles to the vadose zone and groundwater and to, based on model results, engineer waste management techniques and decommissioning programs which would minimize brine migration and environment contamination. 1 Introduction The beneficiation of potash ore produces sodium chloride, a waste material which comprises some 60% of the p

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