Call for papers
The Sustainable Minerals Institute at The University of Queensland (Australian partner of the International Network for Acid Prevention (INAP) are pleased to advise details for the 9th Australian Workshop on Acid and Metalliferous Drainage ‘Leading edge practice across resource cycles’.
Abstract submissions are now closed
BACKGROUND TO WORKSHOP
Today, more than ever, practical solutions for prediction, prevention and control of acid, neutral, and saline drainage are needed by the mining industry in Australia and elsewhere. A leading edge practice spans the life cycle of mining projects, from exploration to closure and beyond, but also adapts to the longer and dynamic cycles of the resources industry, as well as climate change. Under pressure from commodity markets, some mines may go under ‘care and maintenance’ and some may approach closure. Therefore, innovative approaches to understanding and controlling residual risk is paramount. While minimising risk and costs is the obvious goal, the real cost is not getting it right. There are many successful case studies of methodologies and technological applications to be presented at the 9th AMD workshop. There are also examples that would pose challenging research questions, and these will also be shared.
CALL FOR ABSTRACTS
Call for Papers and Submission of Abstracts - have now closed
Notification of acceptance as an oral presentation will be provided by email, after review by members of the Workshop Organising Committee. On acceptance of abstracts, authors will be required to submit a written paper of between 4 and 7 pages, for publication as part of the workshop proceedings. Papers will be reviewed by members of the Organising Committee and edited subsequently.
Timeline
|
Activity |
Deadline |
|
Call for Papers and Submission of Abstracts |
Closed |
|
Notification of Acceptance |
June 2017 |
|
Submission of Full Papers |
Friday 25 August 2017 |
WORKSHOP SESSIONS
WORKSHOP SESSIONS
1. Project Life Cycle
Consideration of AMD risks and planning for management of AMD should start at the very early stages of a mining project and continue through the life of mine. Early understanding of the acid-generating potential of the mine waste commencing at the exploration stage and continuous improvement of AMD predictions through the life of mine will help to quantify AMD risk, characterise AMD processes, develop management strategies that promote progressive rehabilitation and utilisation of mine resources when still available to minimise closure residual risk.
2. Sector Cycle
The mining industry is cyclic by nature. Leading practice AMD management persists across cycles through long-term planning, ongoing stakeholder engagement and research and technology innovation. For example, a strong resources industry can benefit from the integration of disciplines, hybrid solutions, efficient monitoring and adaptive remediation options.
3. Environmental Cycle
Assessment and management of AMD in Australia and elsewhere requires an understanding of the seasonal and longer term climatic cycles in the mining regions, which directly affect the mine water balance, weathering processes, biogeochemical and ecological cycles. The role of climate is particularly significant at the current time due to the potential effects of climate change.
Potential topics:
- INAP and Global Alliance partner updates
- Community and regulatory perspective and feedbacks
- Residual risk, mine closure and relinquishment
- Communicating knowledge – sharing the Science of AMD through education
- Young achievers forum: Innovative solutions for managing acid and metalliferous drainage
- Waste neutralisation, remediation and rehabilitation
- Mine water treatment for acidity, metals, metalloids, and sulfate
- Applied mineralogy, geomicrobiology and nanoscale processes
- Biogeochemical cycles, surface chemistry and ecotoxicity
- Sampling and monitoring - new approaches, sensors and tools
- Reliable and cost-effective AMD prediction through static and kinetic testing and geochemical modelling
- Final void and pit lake processes, modelling and treatments
- Unsaturated zone hydrology for optimised cover design and performance
- Stabilising mine waste and creating sustainable landforms
- Consequences of a changing climate at various spatial and temporal scales
- Case studies – lessons learned and leading practice
- Proactive mine tailings management - geotechnical and geochemical considerations