Chapter 4

4.0 DEFINING THE PROBLEM – CHARACTERIZATION|]]

4.1 Introduction

4.2 Site Characterization Approach

4.2.1 Conceptual Site Model Development

4.2.2 Mine Phases

4.2.2.1 Exploration Phase

4.2.2.2 Mine Planning Phase

4.2.2.3 Construction and Commissioning Phase

4.2.2.4 Operational Phase

4.2.2.5 Decommissioning Phase

4.2.2.6 Post-Closure Phase

4.3 Sources of Acid Rock Drainage, Neutral Mine Drainage, and Saline Drainage

4.3.1 Surface Mining – Open Pit

4.3.2 Underground Mining

4.3.3 Waste Rock and Ore Stockpiles

4.3.4 Tailings Piles and Ponds

4.3.5 In Situ Solution Mines

4.3.6 Heap Leach Piles

4.3.7 Coal and Uranium Mining Specific Acid Rock Drainage Sources

4.4 Components of Site Characterization

4.4.1 Geo-environmental Models

4.4.2 Source Material Geochemical Characterization

4.4.2.1 Laboratory and Field Testing

4.4.2.2 Sample Selection

4.4.2.3 Number of Samples Required

4.4.3 Watershed Characterization – The Hydrologic Cycle

4.4.3.1 Climate

4.4.3.2 Hydrology

4.4.3.3 Hydrogeology

4.4.3.4 Site Wide Water Balance

4.4.4 Watershed Characterization - Assimilative Capacity of the Receiving Environment

4.4.5 Watershed Characterization – Biological Receptors

4.4.6 Watershed Characterization – Archaeology and Cultural Value

4.5 Selected Characterization Tools

4.5.1 Geophysics

4.5.1.1 Introduction

4.5.1.2 Remote Sensing

4.6 Summary

4.7 References