An Approach towards the Control of Acid Mine Drainage in Coal Mines-A Case Study

Abstract

Acid Mine Drainage (AMD) is a very common environmental pollution problem which occurs worldwide in mining region. AMD forms when sulphide minerals in rocks are exposed to oxidizing condition in coal and metal mining, highway construction and other large scale excavations. Water which drains naturally from coal and metal mine workings is often acidic with elevated heavy metal content, characterized with low pH and high alkalinity with elevated concentration of metals like Iron, Manganese and Aluminum. During mining, the exposed wall rocks come in contact with the oxygenated water, interaction between these causes generation of AMD. Bacterial activity also plays an important role in acid formation. Coal has a crucial role in meeting current needs and is a resource bridge to meet future goals through the enhancement of knowledge and technology. The challenge is to apply the right technology in the most efficient and environmentally friendly way. The biggest environmental challenge facing the coal industry is the issue of greenhouse gases and acid rain. Overall environmental management improvement has been taking place with the implementation of state of art environmental management schemes particularly under Environmental and Social Mitigation Project (ESMP) of CIL.