The production of acid rock drainage (ARD) from mine tailings is a significant environmental concern at various abandoned mine sites in Yukon. Leachate with low pH and high dissolved metals concentrations deriving from mine tailings impoundment areas can negatively impact various groundwater and surface water resources.
The presence of both oxygen and water is required for ARD to develop. Therefore, the reduction of the oxygen source and the water source from the mine tailings through the use of a low permeability cover (which acts as an oxygen/infiltration barrier) will limit ARD production. This is the basis of the design and recent reclamation (1998-99) of the Arctic Gold and Silver Tailings Site in Carcross, Yukon that EBA has been involved with in association with PWGSC.
