New Findings in Applied Geology

New Findings in Applied Geology

Evaluation of the acid mine drainage potential from the spoils of the Tazare Coal Mine, NE Iran

Authors
E. Rabiee 1
G. Forghani Tehrani 2
S. Zarei Doudeji 3
1 M. Sc. student of Geology, Faculty of Earth Sciences, Shahrood University of Technology, Shahrood, Iran
2 Assist. Prof., Dept., of Geology, Faculty of Earth Sciences, Shahrood University of Technology, Shahrood, Iran
3 Assoc. Prof., Dept., of Geology, Faculty of Earth Sciences, Shahrood University of Technology, Shahrood, Iran
10.22084/nfag.2024.29747.1627
Abstract
The Tazare Coal Mine is located in the Eastern Alborz structural zone, NE Iran. The present study aims to investigate the mineralogical and geochemical characteristics of spoils produced in Tazareh coal mine, and to evaluate the potential of the waste materials to produce acid mine drainage as a result of oxidation processes. For these purposes, 8 representative spoil samples were collected, and the mineralogy, geochemistry, and static geochemical tests were carried out. Mineralogical studies indicate the presence of pyrite, chalcopyrite, arsenopyrite, chalcocite, marcasite, albite, kaolinite and quartz in the studied samples. Pyrite presented as angular, spherical fragments and framboidal aggregates, or as filling the fissure. The studied samples were not enriched in Mn and Fe, whereas they were significantly enriched in Ni, Cr, Cu, Pb, highly enriched in as and Zn. The highest concentration of elements was recorded in sample no. 6. On the basis of the results of static tests of acid mine drainage prediction, the pH of saturated paste was higher than 4 and the electrical conductivity of saturated paste of 6 samples was higher than 2000 µs/cm. According to static test results, the studied samples, especially samples no. 3 and 6, were of acid producing potential. This conclusion was confirmed by field observations. The obtained results in this study show the necessity of tackling the environmental management measures in the Tazare Coal Mine district.
Keywords
Acid Mine Drainage
Static Tests
Spoil
Tazare
Toxic Elements
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New Findings in Applied Geology
Volume 19, Issue 38 - Serial Number 38
December 2025
Pages 159-176

  • Receive Date 09 September 2024
  • Revise Date 02 November 2024
  • Accept Date 04 November 2024