Search
 

Mining Services

Characterization, Geochemistry, Engineering, and Closure

ERS personnel provide extensive environmental services to various mines in the United States and around the world. ERS staff have assisted our clients to meet production goals as well as environmental needs, and have been involved in the characterization and remediation of inactive or closed mines. Our clients include gold, silver, copper, lead, zinc, phosphorus, coal, barite, borax, and diamond mines, as well as government agencies involved in mine site remediation. Typical mining services ERS provides include:

Mine Water and Wastewater Treatment, Recycle, and Reuse:

  • Engineered Treatment of Process Water, Dewatered Groundwater, Acid Rock Drainage Followed by Stream Discharge, Mechanical Evaporation, or Recycle/Reuse
  • Acidic Pit Lake Hydrogeological Assessment, pH Management through Neutralization, and Geochemical Modeling
  • Common Constituents Treated: Acidity/Low pH, Metals (Fe, Al, Mn, Mo, Cu, Cd, Ag, Cr, Ni, Hg, Pb, Sb, Zn), Metalloids (As, Se), Sulfate, Chloride, TSS, TDS, Silica, Turbidity
  • Technologies Applied: Chemical Oxidation, Precipitation, pH Control, Coagulation, Flocculation, Gravity Settling/Clarification, Micro-Filtration, Nano-Filtration, Reverse Osmosis, Ion Exchange, Chemical Softening, and Sludge Thickening
  • Engineering Design/Analysis Performed: Scoping/Prefeasibility/Feasibility Studies, Bench/Jar Tests, Numerical Simulations, Pilot Scale Testing, Detailed Design, AutoCAD Drafting, Equipment Specifications, Procurement, Installation, Operation and Maintenance

Waste Management:

  • Toxic Release Inventory (TRI): Mining Process Evaluation, Contaminants Identification and Quantification, Comparisons with Toxic Release Inventory Regulations and Determinations of Reportability, Annual Reporting to U.S. EPA and State Regulatory Agencies at more than 15 Mine Sites
  • Solid and Hazardous Waste Management: Waste Identification, RCRA Characterization, Site Periodic Inspections, Storage, DOT Transportation, and Disposal Options, Regulatory Compliance, and Management Plans

Mine Mill Demolition and Site Reclamation:

  • Planning, Coordination, Subcontracting, Waste Recycling, Hazard Identification, Training, Health and Safety Plans, Demolition Oversight, and Progress Reporting