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Baseline acid rock drainage potential study on the Eskay Creek mill tailings Dai, Ning

Abstract

The Eskay Creek Mine, owned by Prime Resources Group Inc. is located about 80 kilometres north of Stewart, British Columbia. The mine is an unusual polymetallic, precious-metal rich volcanogenic massive sulfide and sulfosalt deposit which has generated much interest over the paste decade. The Eskay Creek Mine is one of the highest grades gold and silver deposits in the world The objective of this study is to conduct a base line study on the potential for ARD generation from the two types of mill tailings derived from two different ore zones (109 zone and N EX zone) at the Eskay Creek Mine in order to assess the maximum possible ARD potential under the worst disposal conditions among the several tailings disposal options. The study involved Sobek ABA tests, Modified ABA tests, shake flask tests and kinetic tests. The results from ABA tests show that the acid potential is much higher than the neutralization potential in both 109 and N EX tailings. This means that both 109 and N EX tailings have the probability for acid generation. Shake Flask test results show that generation of ARD from both tailings is likely and temperature is an important factor in acid generation. Submarine tailings disposal may be the best way to dispose tailings materials in Eskay Creek Mine.

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