Acid rock drainage (ARD), also known as acid mine drainage (AMD), is one of the most serious environmental issues facing the mining industry in Canada and around the world. Costs associated with ARD management (prediction, prevention and treatment) represent some of the industries most significant liabilities.

ARD occurs when sulphide minerals are exposed to air and water during mining. Oxidation of sulphides in tailings and/or waste rock may result in serious environmental consequences including acidification of surface and groundwater, as well as leaching toxic metals into the environment. SENES has been at the forefront in the recognition, assessment and management of ARD for twenty years.

Our extensive experience in the assessment of ARD (or AMD) from reactive mine tailings and waste rock is outlined on the following pages.