Explore Our Services
Acid and Metalliferous Drainage (AMD)
Earth Systems has specialist expertise in environmental geochemistry and is an industry leader in acid and metalliferous drainage/acid rock drainage (AMD/ARD) characterisation and the development of innovative and cost-effective AMD management and treatment strategies for mining operations in all stages of development, from planning through to closure and beyond.
Services provided
Earth Systems provides specialist expertise in all aspects of AMD management throughout the entire life cycle of a mine’s development, from exploration and prefeasibility, through to development and mining, closure and rehabilitation and beyond, with an emphasis on integrating AMD management with mine planning and operations to minimise operational and post-closure AMD risk. Our Key and specialist AMD services include:
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AMD audits, including AMD risk assessment and management system audits throughout all phases of project development.
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AMD baseline surveys and impact assessments.
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Assessment of AMD potential and development of comprehensive site-specific management and monitoring plans that can be integrated with existing mine planning.
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Mine material characterisation: geochemical characterisation, static geochemical parameters, advanced AMD risk classification.
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Advanced, rapid kinetic geochemical testwork using Earth Systems’ OxCon oxygen consumption test and oxygen penetration test (OPT), as well as standard column leach and humidity cell tests for the prediction of annual acidity generation rates and optimisation of waste storage strategies.
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Waste rock pile construction design and management including waste segregation, selective placement, encapsulation, blending, interlayering and cover systems.
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Water quality assessment and monitoring: sampling protocols, total acidity and acidity load assessment, analytical data assessment and calculation of treatment reagent requirements.
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Modelling and assessment of AMD potential including site water balances, acidity/contaminant load balances, pit lake modelling and geochemical equilibrium modelling.
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Mine waste management including tailings storage facility design, management and decommission planning, assessment of in-pit and mine backfill tailings disposal and storage options.
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Mine block modelling for AMD risk evaluation and scheduling of different waste rock categories.
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Site-specific AMD minimisation and treatment, both active and passive, including contract treatment for pit lakes and other water storages for risk mitigation, re-use and emergency discharge.
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Development of site rehabilitation and closure plans, incorporating long-term AMD management and prevention strategies.
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Leading-practice environmental training workshops for regulators, managers, supervisors and operators on AMD issues.
Relevant capability statements
Acid and Metalliferous Drainage (AMD) Characterisation and Management
Geochemical Characterisation
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Rapid Kinetic Geochemical Testing for AMD Prediction – OxCon and OPT
Managing Spontaneous Combustion at Mine Sites
Waste Rock Pile Construction to Lower Closure and Relinquishment Costs
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Case Studies
Design of a HDS treatment plant
Case Study_Ottery PRB
Mine Process Water Treatment
Relevant Websites
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Acid & Metalliferous Drainage (AMD)
Providing advanced solutions for water quality management and acid and metalliferous drainage (AMD), our Geochemistry & Water unit sets the standard for addressing complex challenges in mining, agriculture, and industrial sectors. Our expertise ensures sustainable water treatment and resource management.
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ES Analytical Lab
Delivering world-class environmental testing, ES Analytical Lab specializes in rapid and efficient testing for AMD, water quality, soil health, and air monitoring. With unique, industry-leading methodologies, we provide precise data and actionable insights to drive impactful solutions.
