Digby Wells Environmental presenting at the WVTF and IMWA Conference.
Digby Wells Environmental is delighted to announce that Dr. Robel A. Gebrekristos our internationally experienced Technical Lead in Hydrogeology within the Water Geosciences Division, will be presenting at the West Virginia Mine Drainage Task Force Symposium (WVTF) and IMWA – International Mine Water Association Congress Conference in West Virginia, USA. Dr. Robel A. Gebrekristos in collaboration with Graham Trusler, CEO Digby Wells Environmental, has had a paper titled “Understanding Influences on Mine Water Quality Beyond Acid Mine Drainage: Case Studies from South Africa and Tanzania” accepted for presentation.
His presentation will shed light on the often-overlooked aspects of mine water quality management not related to acid or neutral mine drainage (AMD/NMD). AMD poses well-known challenges to both ground and surface water. While there are established guidelines to manage AMD and metal leachability from mine wastes, less attention is paid to other sources of contamination at mine sites.
Dr. Robel A. Gebrekristos will discuss the impacts of various other impacts on mine water quality, such as chemicals used during mining and processing, sewage treatment plants, explosive usage, water treatment chemicals, and hydrocarbons like Polychlorinated Biphenyls (PCBs). He will draw upon case studies, including one from a platinum mine in South Africa, where chloride contamination in the aquifer has had far-reaching consequences on surface water and the riverine ecosystem.
Additionally, Dr. Robel A. Gebrekristos will share insights from a mine in Tanzania where nitrate contamination persisted due to inadequate sewage and mine water management.
These case studies presented will highlight the importance of comprehensive environmental impact investigations in mine operations. While AMD is often a primary concern, the influence of process chemicals on water quality must not be underestimated. Dr. Robel A. Gebrekristos‘ presentation underscores the need for a holistic approach to mine water management, considering both geological factors and the responsible handling of process chemicals.
We are proud to have Dr. Robel A. Gebrekristos represent Digby Wells Environmental at this esteemed conference, sharing valuable insights that contribute to the sustainable management of water resources in mining operations globally.
