| 摘要 |
A process for treating earth materials such as rock heaps to prevent acid rock drainage therefrom is disclosed. First, the oxygen concentration in the gas-phase of the rock heap (40) is decreased, that is, displaced and/or depleted. This first step may be accomplished physically, chemically or biologically. Then, the gas-phase oxygen concentration in the heap (40) is maintained at a low level. This second step may be provided for in a self-sustaining manner, like, for example, by covering the rock heap (40) with soil and vegetation so that acid rock drainage is prevented indefinitely. Alternatively, the density of the gas-phase of the rock heap (40) may be increased, and maintained at an elevated level indefinitely. The process is applicable to waste heaps from mining and industrial operations such as power generation and minerals processing, and to rubble collections in open and closed mines.
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