Yukon Geological Survey publication metadata (English, HTML)

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Publisher-reported update

2026-08-26

EBA Engineering Consultants Ltd. has prepared this report, based on literature review, to provide information to assist the Yukon mining industry in remediating environmental problems caused by acid rock drainage (ARD) with its associated heavy metals contamination. There are three main sections to this review. First, the history of ARD is presented. Second, the chemistry and microbiology of ARD and the treatments that are used worldwide, with emphasis on cold climate treatments, are reviewed. Finally, we present the most promising technologies developed in temperate regions, that could be tested under typical Yukon conditions. This is the main challenge given the short growing season and cold temperatures. Acid mine drainage is caused by oxidization of metal ores, containing sulphur and metal sulfides found in coal. There are three steps in this process. First, oxygenated water, from rain, for example, oxidizes metal sulfides producing acidic water and ferrous iron. When the water becomes moderately acidic, a number of bacteria can assist in further oxidization and increase the acidification of the drainage water. Finally, when the water reaches a pH of 3.5, an iron bacterium,…

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