Skip directly to site content Skip directly to page options Skip directly to A-Z link Skip directly to A-Z link Skip directly to A-Z link


Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. CDC twenty four seven. Saving Lives, Protecting People
Search
            ×
                        Mining
                        Mining
                            NIOSH
                            All CDC
                    Submit
                For a full list of topics:A-Z Index
                Advanced Search
            Advanced Search


The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH)


Section Navigation
			
			CDC Home





Mining Publication: Environmental Impacts of Cemented Mine Waste Backfill
Keywords: Stopes Water
Original creation date: January 1996
Authors: RL Levens, AD Marcy, CM Boldt
Report of Investigations - January 1996
Download PDF Document (0.34 MB)
NIOSHTIC2 Number: 20023323
U.S. Department of the Interior, Bureau of Mines, Report of Investigations 9599, 1996 Jan:1-22
Researchers at the U. S. Bureau of Mines conducted investigations to evaluate the potential for ground water contamination by mine waste used as backfill. Samples of cemented waste backfill and water discharging from drillholes and seeps were collected to use in chemical analyses and laboratory tests to determine the physical and chemical factors that control release of heavy metals to ground water. Greater water retention by cemented backfill (as compared to uncemented sandfill) reduces the surface area exposed to oxidation, which in turn reduces the amount of acid produced. The acid is neutralized by the cement and minerals contained in the backfill. The grain-size distribution of tailings used for backfill affects the structural integrity of cemented backfill under attack by acidic water; breakdown of the backfill structure releases neutralizing materials faster. Backfilled stopes in rock with low hydraulic conductivities will constitute preferential flow paths after mine flooding; however, the rate of flow through backfill will be much slower than when the stope is partially saturated during mine operation. Considering all factors, acid generation and release of metal ions from cemented backfill should be less than in uncemented sandfill.
Image of publication Environmental Impacts of Cemented Mine Waste BackfillReport of Investigations - January 1996
Download PDF Document (0.34 MB)
NIOSHTIC2 Number: 20023323
U.S. Department of the Interior, Bureau of Mines, Report of Investigations 9599, 1996 Jan:1-22
See Also
Discharge Water Handling and Treatment: Problems and Solutions at a Large Pittsburgh Seam Coal Mine
The Effects of Water Emulsified Fuel on Diesel Particulate Matter Concentrations in Underground Mines
Evaluation of Two-Phase Spray System for Airborne Dust Control in a Longwall Gallery
Guidelines for Permitting, Construction, and Monitoring of Retention Bulkheads in Underground Coal Mines
In Situ Stress at the Lucky Friday Mine (In Four Parts): 2. Analysis of Overcore Measurement From 5300 Level
Modeling the Effects of Longwall Mining on the Ground Water System
Numerical Modeling of Paste Sills in Underhand Cut & Fill Stopes
Rock Mechanics Investigations at the Lucky Friday Mine (In Three Parts): 2. Evaluation of Underhand Backfill Practice for Rock Burst Control
Technology News 436 - Stope Leaching Reduces Surface Environmental Impacts From Underground Mining
Underhand Cut and Fill Mining as Practiced in Three Deep Hard Rock Mines in the United States
Page last reviewed: November 17, 2015
Page last updated: November 17, 2015
Content source: National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Mining Program
Facebook
        Twitter
        LinkedIn
        Syndicate Mining
        Site BrowserSafety and Health TopicsData & StatisticsMethodologyMine DisastersMSHA Data FilesMine & Mineworker ChartsTools & PublicationsTools You Can UsePublicationsNews & ArticlesResearch ProgramNORA Mining CouncilStrategic PlanMining Program, 2019-2023Miner Health Program, 2020-2030ProjectsContractsFunding OpportunitiesMining LinksAbout UsContact NIOSH MiningEmploymentFacilitiesHistoryVisitor Information NIOSH Homepage
 NIOSH A-Z
Workplace Safety & Health Topics
Publications and Products
Programs


About CDC
					Contact Us
					800-232-4636
 Facebook Twitter Instagram LinkedIn Youtube Pinterest Snapchat
 CONTACT CDC
				Contact Us
							Call 800-232-4636
							Email Us
			ABOUT CDC
				About CDC
							Jobs
							Funding
			POLICIES
				Accessibility
							External Links
							Privacy
							Policies
							No Fear Act
							FOIA
							OIG
							Nondiscrimination
							Vulnerability Disclosure Policy
			CONNECT WITH US
				Facebook
								Twitter
								Instagram
								LinkedIn
							Youtube
								Pinterest
								Snapchat
								Email
			LANGUAGES
				Español
							繁體中文
							Tiếng Việt
							한국어
							Tagalog
							Русский
							العربية
							Kreyòl Ayisyen
							Français
							Polski
							Português
							Italiano
							Deutsch
							日本語
							فارسی
							English


U.S. Department of Health & Human Services
			Accessibility
			External Links
			Privacy
			Policies
			No Fear Act
			FOIA
			Nondiscrimination
			OIG
			Vulnerability Disclosure Policy
			USA.gov


Exit Notification / Disclaimer Policy Close
 Links with this icon  indicate that you are leaving the CDC website. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) cannot attest to the accuracy of a non-federal website.
				Linking to a non-federal website does not constitute an endorsement by CDC or any of its employees of the sponsors or the information and products presented on the website.
				You will be subject to the destination website's privacy policy when you follow the link.
				CDC is not responsible for Section 508 compliance (accessibility) on other federal or private website. Website Disclaimers
 Cancel Continue