TECHNICAL BACKGROUND

Numerical modeling is used worldwide among scientists and technicians who work on environmental issues.

The management of water resources and the characterization and restoration of contaminated sites and mining operations most frequently require advanced modeling techniques.

These modeling techniques allow us to combine site-specific data and laboratory data which are used to define the physico-chemical processes which occur in soil, landfills, aquifers and surface waters. Advanced numerical models are also important tools for decision-making and the management and restoration of areas potentially contaminated by mining operations.

During this course, participants will learn to identify the main chemico-physical processes that are responsible Acid Mine Drainage (AMD) generation and to mitigate the resulting impact. Participants will be able to:

1. Define the conceptual models that describe the main processes in a practical example of AMD which will be facilitated by the course instructors
2. Build numerical models to simulate AMD generation

Use numerical models for the quantitative assessment of AMD and mitigation options

PARTICIPANTS

This course is designed for engineers, scientists and technical staff who work in environmental management and metallic mining and who want to improve their knowledge of advanced numerical modeling in AMD.  

OBJECTIVES

By the end of the course, participants should be familiar with the following:

• The geochemical and hydrological processes which generate acid mine drainage
• The methodology for building numerical models that link site-specific data with laboratory data
• PHREEQC (Parkhurst y Appello, 1999)
• The use of models to simulate AMD generation and the options to mitigate the impact.

SPECIFIC OBJECTIVES

Below are the main objectives for each course activity: