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An investigation of acid–base accounting test to predict acid mine drainage at Sangan iron ore mine in Khaf, Iran

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Abstract

13 samples put to test from the Dardavey mine, also acid Production and Neutralization potential, Acid Production Potential (APP), Neutralization Potential (NP), Net Neutralization Potential (NNP), and Predictable Neutralizing Potential Ratio (NPR) have been highlighted. The result showed that the DP12, DP13, DP16.2 had low NP values and acid generation was observed in nine samples of DP10, DP10.2, DP12, DP14, DP15.2, DP16, and DP17 with NPR value > 4. In addition, the acid with NPR amount of < 1 could be produced in DP4, DP5, DP6, and DP15 samples. The mineral content of the samples indicated that DP4, DP5, DP6, DP10, and DP10.2 have pyrite, clinochlore, dolomite, hematite, and great APP, while DP12, DP13, and DP14 contained mostly quartz, and orthoclase, calcite, albite, phlogopite, and muscovite. The correlation of the net neutralization potential (NNP) and the acid production potential (APP) showed low sulfur samples are generally considered as potential sources of AMD. Furthermore, areas prone to acid leachate production are easily degraded due to the karst nature of the area and the existing drainage network.

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Acknowledgements

I want to convey my gratefulness to The Islamic Azad University of Ferdows Branch Division for funding this project, as well as to our principal for providing me with the opportunity to do this magnificent project on the subject, which also assisted me in conducting extensive research and educating me about a variety of topics for which I am grateful. Additionally, the authors express gratitude to the Iranian Mines and Mining Industries Development and Renovation Organization (IMIDRO) for providing us with the opportunity to establish reciprocal contacts between Sangan Iron Ore Mine and the Islamic Azad University's Ferdowsi Branch.

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  1. Department of Water Engineering, Ferdowsi Branch, Islamic Azad University, Ferdowsi, Iran

    Mehdi Brookhian, Hamid Reza Golkar Hamzee Yazd & Mojtaba Tavousi

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  1. Mehdi Brookhian
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Correspondence to Hamid Reza Golkar Hamzee Yazd.

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Brookhian, M., Golkar Hamzee Yazd, H.R. & Tavousi, M. An investigation of acid–base accounting test to predict acid mine drainage at Sangan iron ore mine in Khaf, Iran. Environ Earth Sci 81, 344 (2022). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12665-022-10434-5

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