The design and use of novel devices for measuring oxygen flux through covers on sulfidie waste rock

Abstract

A field-based method for measuring the diffusive oxygen flux through covers placed on sulfidic waste rock dumps has been developed and applied at a number of mine sites. The technique provides a means of quantifying oxidation rates in dumps and thus can be used to assess the effectiveness of cover systems. Two instruments oxidation can rates be in used. The first is portable and easy to set up, enabling a picture to be built up of the overall diffusive flux into a dump by making measurements at a sufficient number of location. The second is installed beneath a cover and is preferred in situations where oxygen is consumed in the cover since it provides a direct measurement of the oxygen flux into the underlying waste rock.