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Use of column trials for SRF and GBBR development for selenium and nitrate treatment at Brule Mine in BC

British Columbia Mine Reclamation Symposium; University of British Columbia. Norman B. Keevil Institute of Mining Engineering

Pilot-scale column trials are being used to advance Saturated Rock Fill (SRF) and Gravel Bed Bioreactor (GBBR) water treatment technologies for selenium and nitrate treatment at Conuma Resource’s Brule Mine. SRF and GBBR technologies can be matured and optimized concurrently with column trials using site-specific materials using a clear technology maturation plan (TMP). Climate-controlled column trials were used to advance the technology readiness level (TRL), addressing information gaps identified in a risk register. Mine rock and contact waters were shipped from site and used in the trials. Multiple conditions and scenarios were tested to inform on potential operational risks and identify appropriate controls and management strategies. The trials confirmed the feasibility of the implementations, demonstrating effective selenium and nitrate treatment across a range of potential temperatures (4°C to 22°C), flow rates, and concentrations. Operation of the trials allowed for treatment mechanisms and rates to be documented and leveraged through managed operating conditions and dosed reagents. Stress testing highlighted the technology’s operational flexibility, showing that nitrate and selenium treatment persisted despite carbon dosing interruptions and exposure to oxygen. Interestingly, selenium treatment occurred at a rate that was faster than nitrate treatment and independent of reagent dosing. Selenium concentrations were artificially increased to 10x the normal concentrations to determine treatment rates and influencing factors. These findings indicate that the Conuma Brule mine materials result in an SRF or GBBR operation that can be operated under variable site conditions without compromising treatment efficacy. Additional testing was performed to determine the fate and form of the selenium and treated constituents, as well as the microbiology and biogeochemistry. Results of this testing can be found in a second paper titled ‘Fate and Form of Selenium and Microbiology Analysis for SRF and GBBR development at Brule Mine in BC.

Conference Paper

eng

Vancouver : University of British Columbia Library

10.14288/1.0447219

Non UBC

Other

DSpace