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Acid Mine Drainage

Sustainable Mining Practices for Mitigating Environmental Impact

  • 1st Edition - October 1, 2026
  • Latest edition
  • Authors: Athanas Simon Macheyeki, Noel Isack Kaaya, Mathias A. Macheyeki
  • Language: English

Acid Mine Drainage: Sustainable Mining Practices for Mitigating Environmental Impact provides an in-depth analysis of acid mine drainage (AMD) and its profound effects on ecosys… Read more

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Description

Acid Mine Drainage: Sustainable Mining Practices for Mitigating Environmental Impact provides an in-depth analysis of acid mine drainage (AMD) and its profound effects on ecosystems and communities surrounding mining operations. The book begins by explaining the nature of AMD, including its formation, environmental and socioeconomic impacts, and methods for predicting and monitoring its occurrence. It emphasizes the importance of effective sampling techniques and the use of predictive modeling tools to understand and manage AMD risks. The text explores both conventional and non-conventional mitigation strategies, detailing active and passive treatment methods, including innovative biotechnological approaches and ecosystem-based solutions. It also highlights case studies that showcase successful AMD management practices while addressing the challenges faced in high-impact regions. Finally, the book discusses future directions for sustainable mining practices, emphasizing the need for collaborative resilience and the adoption of innovative solutions to close existing gaps in AMD management.

This comprehensive overview serves as an essential resource for researchers and industry professionals committed to reducing the environmental impact of mining activities while promoting sustainable resource management.

Key features

  • Provides a holistic view of AMD management from scientific understanding and prediction of AMD to practical, real-world solutions like bioremediation, advanced technologies and ecosystem restoration
  • Examines AMD mitigation strategies and the challenges faced in high-impact regions around the world
  • Explores emerging technologies, such as bioelectrochemical systems and microbial biotechnologies, that hold great promise for sustainable AMD management

Readership

Post-graduates, faculty, engineers, and professionals in geology, geochemistry, environmental science/engineering, and mining engineering

Table of contents

1. Introduction

1.1 Understanding AMD

1.2 Neutral, alkaline, saline drainage

1.3 Socioeconomic and Environmental Impacts

1.4 Predicting AMD

1.4.1 Sampling Techniques

1.4.2 Static Tests

1.4.3 Kinetic Tests

1.4.4 Modeling and Predictive Tools

1.5 Tracing and Monitoring AMD

1.5.1 Isotopic and Elemental Analysis

1.5.2 Hydrogeological Approaches

1.5.3 Real-Time Monitoring Systems

1.6 Case Studies in AMD Management

1.6.1 Examples of Successful Mitigation

1.6.2 Challenges in High-Impact Regions

1.6.3 Lessons Learned from Global Practices


2. Conventional Mitigation and Management Strategies

2.1 Active Treatment Systems

2.1.1 Physical and Chemical methods

2.1.2 Engineered Biological Systems

2.2 Passive Treatment Methods

2.2.1 Biological approaches

2.2.2 Ecosystem-based methods

2.2.3 Geological and Geochemical methods

2.3 Life cycle analysis and economic feasibility of proposed measures


3. Non-conventional Treatment methods

3.1 Active Methods

3.1.1 Microbial and Biotechnological Approaches

3.1.2 Advanced Technologies

3.1.3 Innovative and Emerging Solutions

3.1.4 Integrated and Interdisciplinary Methods

3.2 Passive Methods

3.2.1 Phytoremediation and Algal Systems

3.2.2 Microbial and Biotechnological Approaches

3.2.3 Innovative and Emerging Solutions

3.2.4 Integrated and Interdisciplinary Methods


4. Policy, Governance, and Community Engagement

4.1 International Policies and Regulations

4.2 Role of Stakeholders in AMD Management

4.3 Promoting Environmental Justice


5. Challenges and Future Directions

5.1 Current Gaps

5.2 Sustainable Innovations

5.3 Collaborative Resilience

Product details

  • Edition: 1
  • Latest edition
  • Published: October 1, 2026
  • Language: English

About the authors

AM

Athanas Simon Macheyeki

Athanas S. Macheyeki is a Professor of geology at the University of Dodoma. He is the former Commissioner for the Mining Commission in Tanzania; former Executive Secretary for the Tanzania Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (TEIT), former Manager of Applied Geology - Geological Survey of Tanzania, former Principal of the Mineral Resources Institute – Dodoma and Founder of the Earth Sciences Institute of Shinyanga (www.esis.ac.tz). Prior to working for the government of Tanzania, he served as Mineral Exploration Geologist for Kabanga Nickel Company Ltd and for Anglo American Exploration Company (Tanzania). He is the holder of BSc. (UDSM), MSc. (UWC) and PhD (UGHENT) and developer of lithogechemical ratios useful for Ni-Cu sulphide exploration. He has authored / co-authored over 2 dozens of publications including articles, geological maps, book chapters and books including (1) Applied Geochemistry: Advances in Mineral Exploration Techniques and (2) The East African Rift System: Geodynamics and Natural Resource Potentials.

Affiliations and expertise
Department of Geology, College of Earth Sciences and Engineering, The University of Dodoma Tanzania

NK

Noel Isack Kaaya

Noel Isack Kaaya is a chemist and Chemical Inspector at the Government Chemist Laboratory Authority in Tanzania. His work involves the laboratory analysis of environmental samples from mining sites and industrial areas to ensure compliance with regulatory standards for human health and environmental protection. As a Chemical Inspector, he oversees the production, use, and marketing of chemicals to prevent adverse health and environmental impacts. His routine inspections of chemical use in artisanal and small-scale gold mining (ASGM) sites have motivated his interest in environmental geochemistry. As part of his master's dissertation, he researched the geochemical characteristics of ASGM tailings and their associated ecological and health risks. Part of this work is published in the Journal of Trace Elements and Minerals (Kaaya et al., 2025, https://doi-org.ucc.idm.oclc.org/10.1016/j.jtemin.2025.100222). He holds a BSc in Chemistry from the University of Dar es Salaam and an MSc in Chemistry from the University of Dodoma.

Affiliations and expertise
Chemical Inspector, Government Chemist Laboratory Authority, Tanzania

MM

Mathias A. Macheyeki

Mathias Macheyeki is a cybersecurity and digital forensics engineer and a full-stack software developer, graduate of the University of Dodoma. He is the co-author of Morphostructural study on the Eyasi–Durumo–Manyara faults - East African Rift System (Macheyeki and Macheyeki, 2025). He is the founder of TEYORA - a technology startup firm focused on cybersecurity, digital forensics, and software development. He has experience in building secure, practical, and user-centred digital systems, web and mobile developer and security specialist focusing on vulnerability assessment, penetration testing, secure code reviews and incident response activities. His areas of competence also include web and mobile application development, network security and digital forensics focusing on reliability and real-world usability. Mathias has collaborated with technical institutions including the Earth Science Institute of Shinyanga to design and implement a secure Student Records Management System, the Geological Survey of Tanzania to maintain systems, software installations, and technical troubleshooting.

Affiliations and expertise
Earth Sciences Institute of Shinyanga (ESIS), Shinyanga United Republic of Tanzania