Short course: Advance Applications of PHREEQC for Acid and Metalliferous Drainage Modelling

Course Description

This one-day advanced PHREEQC short course is designed for geochemists and environmental professionals with prior experience using PHREEQC who are looking to expand their modelling capabilities in the context of Acid and Metalliferous Drainage (AMD). The course focuses on integrating advanced features of PHREEQC into practical workflows for improved prediction, assessment, and management of AMD-related impacts across diverse ore types and geological settings.

Participants will gain hands-on experience with complex geochemical modelling, including sorption, ion exchange, reaction kinetics, and 1D transport. Emphasis is placed on practical exercises and real-world applications, supported by theoretical foundation.

Topics include:
1.   Main PHREEQC functions
2.   Handling thermodynamic databases
3.   Sorption and ion exchange modelling
4.   Reaction kinetics
5.   One-dimensional reactive transport

This short course is ideal for professionals, researchers, and advanced students, this course provides the tools needed to enhance the accuracy, interpretive strength, and reliability of hydrogeochemical models used in AMD prediction and mitigation.

Facilitated by Aldo Anselmo and Layane Silva from WSP

Facilitator Bios

Aldo Anselmo

Aldo Anselmo is a geochemist with eight years of postgraduate experience in geology and environmental geochemistry, six of them as a geochemistry consultant primarily focused on mining-related projects.

He graduated as a geologist from the Universidad de Chile (2017), where he also complete a MSc in Geology (2021) being part at the Centro de Geotermia de Excelencia de los Andes (CEGA), where he conducted his research on hydrogeochemistry and stable isotopes in hot springs. He possesses a strong background in fieldwork, laboratory analysis, and geochemical modelling, and has contributed to hydrogeological and hydrogeochemical projects across various stages of the mining life cycle.

Currently he is an Associate Geochemist at WSP Australia, mainly working on geochemical characterisations, groundwater contamination studies, water quality modelling and AMD risk assessments.

Layane Silva

Layane Silva is a geochemist with over seven years of experience in environmental chemistry and geochemistry. She holds a BEng in Chemical Engineering from the Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais (2016), and completed an academic exchange at the Technische Universität Bergakademie Freiberg. She also earned an MSc in Agronomy, specializing in Soil and Plant Physiology, from the Universidade Federal de Lavras (2020).

Currently an Associate Geochemist at WSP Australia, Layane develops conceptual and numerical hydrogeochemical and reactive transport models to support environmental management and decision-making. Her expertise includes predicting water quality evolution and AMD risks in mining environments, assessing metal leaching from tailings and waste rock, and evaluating drain-clogging potential. She also models the reactive transport of dissolved metals and metalloids in groundwater and have contributed to the design of water treatment systems. Layane integrates strong technical modelling skills with a practical understanding of mine-site geochemistry.

Course outline

1. Phreeqc: Main Functions (1 hr 15 mins)

Brief introduction to the software and its core capabilities. Includes examples using key blocks: SOLUTION, SOLUTION_SPREAD, MIX, EQUILIBRIUM_PHASES, and REACTION.

2. Handling Thermodynamic Database (1 hr 30 mins)

Overview of default databases and their recommended applications. Demonstration on how to insert elements and mineral phases using SOLUTION_MASTER_SPECIES, SOLUTION_SPECIES, and PHASES.

3. Modelling Sorption and Exchange (1 hr)

How to define surface species and reactions in the database, as well as exchange species. Includes practical examples with SURFACE, SURFACE_SPECIES, SURFACE_MASTER_SPECIES, EXCHANGE, EXCHANGE_SPECIES and EXCHANGE_MASTER_SPECIES.

4. Modelling Rates and Kinetics (1 hr)

Implementing kinetic reactions in PHREEQC using the RATES and KINETICS blocks.

5. Modelling Transport 1-D (45 mins)

Building a 1-D transport model that integrates advanced geochemical processes (e.g. equilibrium phases, sorption, exchange, and kinetics).

6. Q&A (30 mins)