Review of Ekati Information on Seepage and Waste Rock Geochemistry (Minesite Drainage Assessment Group, March 2001)
This geochemical review by the Minesite Drainage Assessment Group evaluates BHP and SRK's 2000 seepage survey data from the Ekati Diamond Mine, finding that acid rock drainage (ARD) is more extensive and severe than reported—affecting approximately 26-27% of seep analyses rather than only one documented seep—and is migrating through the shallow groundwater system toward Beartooth and Bearclaw Lakes. The report identifies significant gaps in the SRK classification system, contradictions in interpretations, data gaps, and equipment failures, recommending comprehensive individual seep characterization, groundwater monitoring, water treatment, and retention of qualified technical specialists to manage the serious and worsening water-quality problems.
- Date
- 2001-04-02
- Document type
- report
- Parties
- Independent Environmental Monitoring Agency, Minesite Drainage Assessment Group, Kevin A. Morin, Nora M. Hutt, BHP Diamonds, SRK Consulting, Morwijk Enterprises Ltd.
- Locations
- Ekati Diamond Mine, Northwest Territories, Yellowknife, Panda waste-rock storage area, Beartooth Lake, Bearclaw Lake, Island Copper minesite, British Columbia, Vancouver
- Parameters
- acid rock drainage (ARD), seepage water chemistry, waste-rock geochemistry, pH, sulphate, conductivity, neutralization potential, metal concentrations, ammonia, cadmium, selenium, zinc, calcium, magnesium, groundwater velocity, kimberlite, carbonate minerals, sulfide mineral oxidation, acidity, field measurements, bioassay toxicity testing, CCME aquatic-life criteria
- Pages
- 26