Wastewater Neutralisation
Mining and some other industrial waste streams contain high concentrations of metals and sulphate. Elevated sulphate concentrations are normally associated with water from coal mining due to bacterial and chemical oxidation of pyrite (FeS), resulting in Acid Mine Drainage (AMD). AMD is formed when the mineral pyrite comes into contact with oxygen and water, producing elevated sulphate, metal and acidity concentrations.
As a result of the high concentrations of dissolved heavy metals and sulphate, these waters may not be discharged into public streams. This presents storage and management cost issues for industries.