Abstract

ZAMORA ECHENIQUE, Gerardo. Technical, economic and environmental study of the treatment of acidic waters of the San Jose mine. Rev. Met. UTO [online]. 2014, n.35, pp. 13-19. ISSN 2078-5593.

The acid drainage generated inside the San Jose mine, has pH values of 1.2 - 2.5.It is pumped out at a rate of 8 m³/s, in order to keep available the deeper levels for mining operation; it flows through part of the city of Oruro and then gradually flows into Lake UruUru, generating a strong environmental impact because of the high charge of toxic heavy metals dissolved. The annual charge of dissolved metals is: 11,595 kg dissolved solids, 1 kg of Cd, 11 kg of Cu, 761 kg of Fe, 14 kg of Pb, 13 kg of As, 0.3 kg of Sb and 22 kg of Zn. In this investigation, four alternatives for the treatment of these acidic waters were studied at laboratory scale and at pilot plant scale. From the results of the technical, economic, environmental and social assessment, it was concluded that "the best alternative for the treatment of acid waters of the San Jose mine is by neutralizaron - precipitaron with lime and solid - liquid separation inside the mine."

Keywords : Environment; acid drainage; treatment of acidic waters.