Abstract:

The aim of this paper is to explore the impact of developing an alternative electrochemical path to treating acid generating tailings that has the potential to reduce scope 3 emissions. This will be accomplished by first assuming that Metso’s Biox^tm process or Glencore’s Albion^tm process can transform all the acid generating sulphide minerals in a “run-of-plant” tailings stream into sulfuric acid and dissolved metals. And secondly, it will be assumed that the resulting acid slurry stream can be separated into a neutral solids stream ready for dry stacking and a highly acidic dissolved metals laden fluid stream. The subsequent analysis comparing the possible costs of neutralizing the fluid acid stream either by the use of quick lime or by the use of the Stiller (1985) electrochemical AMD neutralization concept. This analysis will also include an estimate of the possible scope 3 emissions of both acid stream treatment possibilities. The paper will close with a discussion examining the possible challenges to implementing the Stiller technology, the potential impacts on the future of mineral processing as well as the on subsequent processing of the metal salts produced by a process using the Stiller technology.

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Dieter Blum