Wetlands treatment of mine drainage from the Tucush Valley waste dump at the high altitude Antamina Mine, Peru

Authors: Strachotta, C; Plewes, H; McBrien, M; Rey, L Paper is not available for download Contact Us

DOI https://doi.org/10.36487/ACG_repo/908_21

Cite As:
Strachotta, C, Plewes, H, McBrien, M & Rey, L 2009, 'Wetlands treatment of mine drainage from the Tucush Valley waste dump at the high altitude Antamina Mine, Peru', in AB Fourie & M Tibbett (eds), Mine Closure 2009: Proceedings of the Fourth International Conference on Mine Closure, Australian Centre for Geomechanics, Perth, pp. 285-297, https://doi.org/10.36487/ACG_repo/908_21



Abstract:
A new water treatment facility was constructed in 2005/2006 to manage drainage from the expanding Tucush Valley waste rock dump at Antamina Cu-Zn-Mo mine, located in the rugged high Andes in Peru, 4,200 m above sea level. The treatment system comprised a combination of sediment ponds, serpentine channels and wetlands. The wetlands cover six ha and are designed to treat up to 115 L/s for removal of nitrates, ammonia and metals. The project is the highest operating wetland in the world and provides an important precedent for water treatment at other operating and abandoned high altitude mines, particularly in the Andes. Monitoring to date indicates the wetland is functioning as designed with effective removal of nitrate and zinc. Further monitoring is required to confirm effective treatment of other target parameters. However, all water parameter concentrations measured at the treatment system discharge point are compliant with established water quality requirements.

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