Patent ID: 6991405
Filing Date: 2006-01-31
Classification: B09B

Abstract:
1. A method of preventing and controlling sulfide mineral oxidation and generation of acid rock drainage in a mass of sulfidic waste that is provided with a cover, the method comprising: (a) determining, based on one or more site conditions affecting the sulfide mineral oxidation and generation of acid rock drainage for the mass of sulfidic waste, a quantity of oxygen deficient/non-reactive gas mixture which when applied under the cover is effective to create a pressure differential between the inside of the mass of sulfidic waste and the open atmosphere outside and adjacent to the mass of sulfidic waste such that the oxygen gas concentration inside the mass of sulfidic waste is substantially equal to, or less than, the atmospheric oxygen gas concentration outside and adjacent to the mass of sulfidic waste; and (b) applying under the cover said quantity of oxygen deficient/non-reactive gas mixture, such that the quantity of oxygen deficient/non-reactive gas mixture applied in an area adjacent to a top surface of the mass of sulfide waste renders the cover operable as an atmospheric oxygen barrier.