Managing the legacy of polluting mine waters in the UK, by the installation of pumping stations, gravity outfalls and treatment systems represents a long-term cost to the tax payer.  My research, funded by the UK Government, considers options for recovering resources at these sites which may offset costs.

Passive treatment systems provide a focus, as this type of system has received little attention when it comes to resource recovery.  Passive treatment systems harness natural processes to reduce pollutants such as acidity and metals, and are extensively used throughout UK and the wider World. In particular, I am investigating the recovery of metals from passive treatment system substrates known as Vertical Flow Ponds (VFPs).  If possible, this has two-fold benefits – recovery of a valuable commodity (metal concentrate), but also negates the need for otherwise costly disposal of metal-contaminated wastes.

Leaching metals from a VFP (mine water treatment) substrate

Current metal recovery approaches which are being investigated are based upon chemical and biochemical techniques adopted by the mining industry.  Work is in progress so watch this space!