Pathways and modes for prevention and control of acid mine drainage-induced pollution in China

Authors

• LIU Guo, State Key Laboratory of Geohazard Prevention and Geoenvironment Protection, Chengdu 610059, China; Key Laboratory of Synergetic Control and Joint Remediation for Soil & Water Pollution, Ministry of Ecology and Environment, Chengdu 610059, China; College of Ecology and Environment, Chengdu University of Technology, Chengdu 610059, ChinaFollow
• CHEN Qian, College of Ecology and Environment, Chengdu University of Technology, Chengdu 610059, China
• GAN Xinzhu, College of Ecology and Environment, Chengdu University of Technology, Chengdu 610059, China
• TANG Jie, . State Key Laboratory of Geohazard Prevention and Geoenvironment Protection, Chengdu 610059, China; Key Laboratory of Synergetic Control and Joint Remediation for Soil & Water Pollution, Ministry of Ecology and Environment, Chengdu 610059, China; College of Ecology and Environment, Chengdu University of Technology, Chengdu 610059, China
• ZHU Mingtan, College of Environment and Civil Engineering, Chengdu University of Technology, Chengdu 610059, China
• FAN Jiajun, College of Ecology and Environment, Chengdu University of Technology, Chengdu 610059, China
• REN Shuang, College of Environment and Civil Engineering, Chengdu University of Technology, Chengdu 610059, China

Abstract

Background Mining activities in polymetallic sulfide mines significantly disrupt regional hydrogeochemical equilibrium, leading to the formation of acid mine drainage (AMD). Consequently, severe pollution of aquatic environments occurs, posing a threat to regional water resource security. To lay the foundation for the prevention and control of AMD-induced pollution, it is necessary to investigate the formation and evolution mechanisms of AMD and establish a low-cost, sustainable risk management and control mode. Methods Based on field sampling and literature research, this study made statistics of the hydrochemical characteristics of AMD from different polymetallic sulfide mining areas across China and elucidated the processes driving the formation of AMD under the combined influence of hydrodynamic, hydrochemical, and microbial fields. Furthermore, in combination with three major challenges in the prevention and control of AMD-induced pollution, this study proposed pathways for reverse hydrogeochemical control.Results and Conclusions Statistical analysis reveals significant variations in the hydrochemical characteristics of AMD from different polymetallic sulfide mining areas across China. Specifically, samples with total dissolved solids (TDS) and ${\mathrm{SO}}_4^{2-} $- concentrations exceeding the thresholds for Class III water quality specified in the Standard for Groundwater Quality (GB/T 14848-2017) accounted for 78.4% and 76.7%, respectively. Accordingly, this study developed a risk assessment system consisting of preliminary, general, and detailed surveys, as well as risk assessment. Furthermore, it determined the limited treatment objective of low-cost, sustainable risk management focusing on environmental control and established the drainage-blocking-treatment-management integrated risk control mode. Following the hierarchical prevention and control principle comprising treatment, control, and prevention strategies for high, medium, and low risks, respectively, the proposed mode adopts measures including priority given to drainage and blocking, blocking-treatment integration, end treatment, and comprehensive management. This mode provides a novel philosophy for low-cost, sustainable prevention and control of AMD-induced pollution.

Keywords

acid mine drainage (AMD), hydrogeochemistry, environmental remediation and control, limited objectives, prevention and control model

DOI

10.12363/issn.1001-1986.25.08.0636

Recommended Citation

LIU Guo, CHEN Qian, GAN Xinzhu, et al. (2026) "Pathways and modes for prevention and control of acid mine drainage-induced pollution in China," Coal Geology & Exploration: Vol. 54: Iss. 5, Article 16.
DOI: 10.12363/issn.1001-1986.25.08.0636
Available at: https://cge.researchcommons.org/journal/vol54/iss5/16

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