AMD Solutions
Currently mining companies treat acid mine drainage as a waste product. We want to convert AMD into an asset by separating and recycling byproducts such as clean water and sulfuric acid.
We do this by using an electrochemical plant to remove the sulfates and metal ions from the drainage and capture them as sulfuric acid and metal precipitates. Then we return the water for mining operations or for environmental release.
Currently, AMD is treated by adding an alkaline agent such as lime or sodium hydroxide to neutralise the acid. This is not only costly but also creates multiple safety and handling issues due to the toxic sludge byproduct that clogs up pipework and has to be disposed of carefully.
In contrast, ElectroClear uses an electrical process to neutralise the drainage, remove the sulfates, and yield clean water. The process is simple, involves no chemicals, flocculants or coagulants. At the same time, it enhances the mine’s environmental credentials and reduces long-term rehabilitation costs for the site.
ElectroClear Water Treatment
ElectroClear uses the process of electrodialysis, which is often used in other industries other than mining. The ElectroClear passes an electric current through AMD to draw sulfates across an anion exchange membrane into an anolyte chamber.
As the process proceeds and sulfates are removed across the membrane, the pH of the remaining solution rises, causing dissolved heavy metals to precipitate, and providing a water that is suitable for use or environmental release.
Since the process is electrical, it requires no chemicals, is low cost and simple to operate providing a perfect solution for the mining industry.
Other methods such as lime and sodium hydroxide dosing are; costly, difficult to implement, and produce a toxic sludge byproduct that requires further management.
Supporting Research
Acid mine drainage (AMD) is a challenge for current and legacy mining operations worldwide given its potential to severely harm ecosystems and communities if inadequately managed. Treatment costs for AMD are amongst the highest in the industrial wastewater treatment sector, with limited sustainable options available to date.
Product Information
The Electrochemical Reactor (ECR), is a newly developed technology that treats Acid Mine Drainage with an electrochemical process. The ECR provides a process for neutralising acid and neutral mine drainage (AMD) to produce clean water, sulphuric acid, and processable metal sludges.
Element Distribution
The feasibility of recovering major and critical elements from acid mine drainage using a pilot-29scale electrochemical reactor (ECR) was investigated by assessing elements concentration and 30species distribution in the liquid and solid phase (sludge) in multistage tests.