Study Uncovers Ways to Minimize Arsenic Contamination During Mining

A recent study that was published in “Applied Geochemistry” examined how climate and acidity affects strategies for removal of arsenic downstream of the Porgera Joint Venture gold mine in Papua New Guinea. The study centered on sequestration, a process involving the capture and storage of arsenic by sediment and soil.

Arsenic can be found in soils and sediment as well as in mine waste. Arsenic that is found in dissolved water is harmful to both the ecosystems and people. Long-term exposure to the component can cause skin lesions and cancer. The study looked into how sediment in mine areas sequestered arsenic and how waste from mines should be handled to prevent transportation of arsenic downstream.

The study, led by University of Pennsylvania researcher Beth Hoagland, explored how climate patterns — in particular drying and wetting cycles and pH — affect arsenic sequestration. A major discovery made during this research was that using lime to treat mine tailings was useful in stabilizing the arsenic in the sediment.

The study also examined the effects of drying and wetting the mine tailings that had been treated using lime, given the tropical climate experienced in the Porgera region. The tests showed that during rewetting, the treated mine waste released arsenic rapidly. However, after repeated drying and wetting cycles, the amount of arsenic released from the mine waste reduced over time. The study highlights the importance for the Porgera gold mine to continue treating the tailings with lime as this decreases arsenic mobility in the watershed.

The study’s findings are important for understanding future social and environmental effects of tailing treatment procedures and mining, especially in areas vulnerable to climate variability. The findings are rather convenient, given that the future of the Porgera mine operations and lease are currently being reevaluated by the Papua New Guinea government. The mine operator’s lease expired in 2019, and earlier this year, Prime Minister James Marape of Papua New Guinea rejected a lease renewal application by the mine’s operator, Barrick Niugini Ltd. Reasons for the lease renewal rejection were cited as social and environmental issues. However, it seems that Barrick Niugini Ltd will carry on with the mine operations in the future as negotiations are yet to be finalized.

Government and mining industry regulators across the globe are struggling with similar concerns about how to reduce the environmental impact of both legacy and ongoing mining operations.

Aside from arsenic contamination issues, different mining entities are taking major strides within the sectors they are involved in. An example of such a company is GoldHaven Resources Corp. (OTCQB: GHVNF) (CSE: GOH) which revealed that it was in talks to acquire a total of seven mineral-rich properties in Chile.

About MiningNewsWire 

MiningNewsWire (MNW) is a specialized communications platform focused on developments and opportunities in the global resources sector. The company provides (1) access to a network of wire services via NetworkWire to reach all target markets, industries and demographics in the most effective manner possible, (2) article and editorial syndication to 5,000+ news outlets (3), enhanced press release services to ensure maximum impact, (4) social media distribution via the Investor Brand Network (IBN) to nearly 2 million followers, and (5) a full array of corporate communications solutions. As a multifaceted organization with an extensive team of contributing journalists and writers, MNW is uniquely positioned to best serve private and public companies that desire to reach a wide audience of investors, consumers, journalists and the general public. By cutting through the overload of information in today’s market, MNW brings its clients unparalleled visibility, recognition and brand awareness. MNW is where news, content and information converge.

To receive SMS text alerts from MiningNewsWire, text “BigHole” to 21000 (U.S. Mobile Phones Only)

For more information, please visit https://www.miningnewswire.com

Please see full terms of use and disclaimers on the MiningNewsWire website applicable to all content provided by MNW, wherever published or re-published: https://www.miningnewswire.com/Disclaimer

MiningNewsWire
Los Angeles, California
www.miningnewswire.com
310.299.1717 Office
Editor@MiningNewsWire.com

MiningNewsWire is part of the InvestorBrandNetwork.