INAP seeks solutions to acid drainage

Six Canadian companies are spearheading an effort to help control acid drainage at mining projects.

Majors Placer Dome, Inco, Noranda, Teck, Rio Algom and Falconbridge are among 17 companies that formed the International Network for Acid Prevention (INAP). The organization is committed to sharing information and technology for the purpose of reducing the hazards posed by acids produced at mines. Other member companies include BHP Copper, Freeport-McMoRan Copper & Gold, Billiton, Penoles, Homestake Mining, and Asarco.

INAP’s strategy hinges on circumventing confidentiality barriers that prevent the sharing of data and ideas among companies. At the same time, the organization will try to foster joint-venture research projects.

Member firms represent 40% of the international mining industry.

“Significant progress can be made as we develop a clearing house for information and prepare case studies of different technologies in different climates,” says Robin Batterham, managing director of Rio Tinto’s research arm and one INAP’s chairman.

In addition to Batterham, the organization is managed by Henry Brehaut, senior vice-president of Placer Dome; Charles Ferguson, vice-president of environment of Inco; Irwin Itzkovitch, vice-president of technology of Noranda; Jerry Danni of Cyprus Climax; and Tim Dyr of BHP Copper.

Among the issues INAP intends to study further are improved water and air flow in waste dumps and coating acid generating minerals to prevent oxidation of pyrite.

INAP also plans to develop a web site that will provide up-to-date information on acid drainage.