Investigating the Linkage Between Water Fluxes, Geochemistry and Water Quality in the Post-Closure Landscape of the Mt Leyshon Mine, Queensland

Authors: Edraki, M; Baumgartl, T; Haymont, R Paper is not available for download Contact Us

DOI https://doi.org/10.36487/ACG_repo/605_56

Cite As:
Edraki, M, Baumgartl, T & Haymont, R 2006, 'Investigating the Linkage Between Water Fluxes, Geochemistry and Water Quality in the Post-Closure Landscape of the Mt Leyshon Mine, Queensland', in AB Fourie & M Tibbett (eds), Mine Closure 2006: Proceedings of the First International Seminar on Mine Closure, Australian Centre for Geomechanics, Perth, pp. 647-656, https://doi.org/10.36487/ACG_repo/605_56



Abstract:
Since the closure of Mt Leyshon Gold Mine in Queensland, the quality of surface receiving waters in the mine area has significantly improved. However, uncovered stockpiles of mill rejects (scats), partially covered heap leach material, and covered waste rocks and tailings remain as potential sources of low pH waters with high concentration of sulfate ions, high metals (cadmium, copper, zinc, manganese), and arsenic. This study reviews the site geochemistry and water quality data and presents a recent assessment of the cover performance with the aim of a better understanding of the post-closure system. The linkage between water quality and geochemistry is established by mine water fingerprinting which shows that seepage sumps at the base of tailings, waste rock dumps and scats stockpile have distinctive chemical characteristics that can be related to the source. A re-assessment of the dry cover systems on the tailings and waste rocks shows greater infiltration rates compared to the previously predicted figures. Discharge of poor quality waters is related to water flux through the covers and interaction of infiltrating waters with geochemically reactive waste materials. Based on the Mt Leyshon experience, it is suggested here that revisiting of rehabilitation measures and monitoring systems in a post-mining landscape are necessary for prioritizing and improving management strategies. It is also shown that empirical models based on historic water quality data can be useful to post- closure monitoring. This paper is a first attempt to bring together major elements of the post-closure system and their correlations. However, more accurate linkages would require further information, most importantly, on flow rates and a better understanding of the hydrogeology of the site.

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