Treatment of Historical Mining Waste using different Incineration Ashes

Abstract

ARD from historical mining sites in Sweden is a major source for trace elements to surface waters. In order to be able to treat a large portion of these sites cost effective reclamation methods is necessary. Incineration ashes were used in leaching tests to study their effect on a highly weathered mining waste in order to neutralize acidity and immobilize trace elements. This study shows that ashes can be used to increase pH and decrease trace element mobility from oxidized mining waste. Increased leaching of Cl, Mo and Sb, however, needs to be considered for waste fuel ashes before use