Apex Engineering served as a technical consultant to Morrison-Maierle, Inc. to develop a water treatment process for this mine, which was recently awarded operating and discharge permits. Â Tasks included literature searches, bench testing, pilot testing and process flowsheet development. Â The proposed design includes hydroxide precipitation, ion exchange and biological treatment, with sulfide precipitation and membrane processes also considered. Â Capital and operating costs were estimated for bond calculations.
Apex previously served as process engineer to recommend a treatment plant design in Phase I of this project. Â I designed and conducted five series of bench-scale tests and one pilot test, and wrote a final report. Â At that time, sodium hydrosulfide (NaHS) addition was selected to meet low metals concentrations prior to discharge.
Bench tests for metals removal
Receiving stream for discharge of treated water
Here's a presentation on the project: