Acid and Metalliferous Drainage (AMD)

Acid and metalliferous drainage(AMD or sometimes acid rock drainage- ARD) has been described as a global environmental catastrophe (Tuffnell, 2017)*.  The potential for AMD requires appropriate sampling, analysis, interpretation and experience. EnviroGeo is able to provide all of these aspects, tailored to the unique client and site requirements.

AMD issues are a significant risk and almost all mining operations will require AMD  consideration,  whether at the pre-feasibility, life of mine or post closure stage.  AMD is often the main focus of environmental impact assessments, particularly if there are sensitive receptors nearby.   Some high profile cases of environmental damage due to AMD have also raised awareness of the potential for serious environmental degradation, and the cost and difficulty of remediation.   Even if the risk of AMD is established to be low, there may still be the potential for saline or metalliferous drainage issues.  

EnviroGeo has the skills and experience to characterise materials and testing data to allow appropriately informed decision making. 

*https://theconversation.com/acid-drainage-the-global-environmental-crisis-youve-never-heard-of-83515