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CHARACTERISATION OF COAL
POTENTIALLY STOCKPILED AT
THE PROPOSED RIETKUIL
PRIVATE SIDING
Geochemical Characterisation study
Report Prepared for
Report Prepared by
June 2014
Page i
Geochemical
Characterization
of
Coal
Potentially Stockpiled at the Proposed Rietkuil
Private Siding
Geochemical Characterisation Study
Compiled by:
Levi Ochieng
Geochemist
James Lake
Principal Scientist
Email: Jlake@srk.co.za
Authors:
Levi Ochieng
OCHL/LAKJ
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Executive Summary
Exxaro Resources Limited (Exxaro) commissioned SRK Consulting (SRK) to undertake a
geochemical characterisation study of the material likely to be stockpiled at the proposed Rietkuil
Private Railway Siding, prior to rail transport to its final destination. This is required as specialist
input to the Environmental Impact Assessment processes and to generate a management plan for
the activities of the proposed stockpiling operation on the receiving environment.
To review the available geochemical information on coal from the Witbank Coal Fields WCF;
To assess the ARD/ML potential of coal based on the review of available geochemical
information and analysis of coal samples from analogue mines; and
To recommend ARD/ML management options for the Proposed Rietkuil Private Railway
Siding.
Scope of work
The scope of work comprised three tasks:
Literature review of available geochemical information on Belfast and Witbank Coal Fields
(WCF) in general;
Assessment of the ARD/ML potential of Rietkuil Private Railway Siding based on the
samples obtained from the mine; and
Results
The key findings of the study included the following:
OCHL/LAKJ
Fast acid neutralising minerals, calcite and dolomite; occur in the coal at concentrations of
2.0% and 11% respectively. This indicates the presence of acid neutralising potential (NP)
and is consistent with previous study done on coal discard and coal fines from the WCF
(Vermeulen, Cruywagen & Steyl, 2011 and Golder, 2009).
The paste pH of the coal samples is neutral (6.7) and indicates that the samples are
characterised by a net neutral condition. This is consistent with the buffering pH range of
carbonate minerals of 5.5 to 6.9.
Although background information indicated that coal seams that constitute the WCF
stratigraphy are potentially acid generating (PAG), site specific ABA analysis of seam no. 2
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coal at Belfast mine indicated that seam no 2 coal is potentially Non Acid Forming (NAF).
This was confirmed by net acid generation (NAG) test. The NAG pH of the coal sample is 6.1
(> 4.5) indicating that the coal will be NAF on complete oxidation of the sulfides contained in
it. This is attributed to the occurrence of calcite and dolomite in sufficient concentrations to
neutralise any acidity generated in the coal.
The constituents of concern that could potentially be leached from the material stored at the
Rietkuil Private Railway Siding under neutral pH conditions include Ca, Cl, TDS and Zn.
Calcium is attributed to the presence of the soluble carbonate minerals, calcite and dolomite,
in the coal sample. Although zinc is inherent in the mineralogy of coal, additional Zn and Cl
are introduced into this coal sample during the washability test where ZnCl is used as a
dense medium. These elements may leach into surface water and groundwater depending
on site conditions and using the assumption that the coal used in the testing is
representative of the material that will be stockpiled at the siding.
The concentrations of the major ions (Mg, K, Na and SO4) are low. This may be attributed to
the fact the coal samples were fresh from washability tests and were therefore not exposed
to oxidation condition to release metals at concentrations of potential concern. In addition,
the washability test process may have washed away the oxidation products on the surface of
the material. However, under field conditions, the concentrations of the major metals would
be expected to increase through oxidation and weathering.
Recommendations
The materials associated with the Rietkuil Private Railway Siding are potentially NAF. This is
because the coal has excess neutralisation potential in the form of calcite and dolomite that buffers
the pH at neutral conditions of 6.7.
The constituents of concern that could potentially be leached from the material stockpiled at the
Rietkuil Private Railway Siding under neutral pH conditions include Ca, Cl, TDS and Zn. These
constituents occur in the leachate from the coal material at concentrations that exceed both the
ambient groundwater quality and SAWQG and could potentially impact the groundwater and surface
water under neutral conditions. However, there is still an expectation that secondary minerals that
may have formed as a result of the oxidation of pyrite and subsequent neutralisation of the acidity
may be mobilised to form a neutral but saline runoff or seepage, depending on the period in which
the coal is retained in the stockpile.
The following are recommended:
OCHL/LAKJ
Appropriate stockpile management should be enforced at the siding, where the residence
time of the material in stockpile is minimised. Furthermore, stockpile management should
include mechanisms, where practical, to ensure that the entire volume of material is
removed periodically, rather than retaining a layer at the base of the stockpile which does
not get removed. This will minimise the time period in which pyrite oxidation can occur which
in turn should limit the salinity of runoff and seepage from the stockpiles.
The liners below the stockpile and the PCD should be engineered in a manner to ensure that
the potential permeability through the liners is minimised with runoff and seepage flow into
the PCD maximised.
The maximum operating capacity in the PCD should be maintained to ensure that there is
adequate buffer zone in the facility to store the design flood event without overtopping as the
quality of water in the PCD is likely to be saline.
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OCHL/LAKJ
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If the PCD water is used for dust suppression as intended, then spraying should only occur
in areas within the catchment of the PCD.
The concentrations of major elements and metals (including Ca, Cl, TDS and Zn), should be
monitored as a minimum analytical suite.
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Table of Contents
Executive Summary ..................................................................................................................................... ii
Disclaimer................................................................................................................................................... vii
List of Abbreviations ...................................................................................................................................viii
1 Introduction .................................................................................................................. 1
2 Background .................................................................................................................. 1
2.1
Geology ............................................................................................................................................... 2
5.2
5.3
5.4
5.5
5.5.2
5.5.3
Desktop review.................................................................................................................................... 8
6.1.1
Mineralogy ............................................................................................................................... 8
6.1.2
6.2
Sampling ............................................................................................................................................. 9
6.3
7 Results ........................................................................................................................ 12
7.1
7.2
7.3
7.4
7.3.1
Paste pH ................................................................................................................................ 14
7.3.2
7.3.3
7.3.4
7.3.5
7.3.6
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List of Tables
Table 5-1: Ambient groundwater quality (SRK 2014) ......................................................................................... 7
Table 6-1:
Average NPR ratio and NNP for lithological units of the Witbank goldfield in an open system
(Pinetown & Boer, 2004) .............................................................................................................. 9
Table 7-1: Mineralogical composition (% w/w) of the coal composite sample from Belfast mine area listed in
order of decreasing reactivity (weathering rates). ...................................................................... 12
Table 7-2: Elemental composition of coal samples from Belfast mine area. A GAI greater than 1 indicates
elemental enrichment. GAI of elements with detection limits greater than their crustal
abundances is shown as a dash (-) in the table. ....................................................................... 13
Table 7-3: Summary of ABA, sulfur & carbon speciation results and NAG results for Belfast Coal Mine
sample ........................................................................................................................................ 15
Table 7-4: Contact leachate results (1:5 solid to liquid) for Belfast seam 2 coal sample relative to ambient
groundwater quality (SRK, 2014) and SAWQG (DWAF, 1996). Leachate concentrations in
excess of the guidelines are highlighted red. ............................................................................. 18
List of Figures
Figure 2-1: Location of Belfast Coal Project Mine area ...................................................................................... 3
Figure 2-2: Typical stratigraphic columns in the Witbank coal fields (simplified after Smith and Whittaker
1986) ............................................................................................................................................ 4
Figure 6-1: Stratigraphic column of the Belfast Coal Mine project area (Groundwater Complete, 2009) ........ 11
OCHL/LAKJ
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Disclaimer
The opinions expressed in this Report have been based on the information supplied to SRK
Consulting (South Africa) (Pty) Ltd (SRK) by Exxaro Resources Ltd (Exxaro). The opinions in this
Report are provided in response to a specific request from Exxaro to do so. SRK has exercised all
due care in reviewing the supplied information. Whilst SRK has compared key supplied data with
expected values, the accuracy of the results and conclusions from the review are entirely reliant on
the accuracy and completeness of the supplied data. SRK does not accept responsibility for any
errors or omissions in the supplied information and does not accept any consequential liability arising
from commercial decisions or actions resulting from them. Opinions presented in this report apply to
the site conditions and features as they existed at the time of SRKs investigations, and those
reasonably foreseeable. These opinions do not necessarily apply to conditions and features that may
arise after the date of this Report, about which SRK had no prior knowledge nor had the opportunity
to evaluate.
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List of Abbreviations
ABA
AP
Acid Potential
ARD/ML
ASTM
COC
Constituents of Concern
DF
DWAF
Dwyka Formation
Department of Water Affairs and Forestry
EC
Electrical Conductivity
EIA
EPA
GAI
ICP-MS
IB
ICP OES/MS
OCHL/LAKJ
Ion Balance
Inductively Coupled Optical Emission Spectrometer/Mass
Spectrometer
IWUL
KSG
Karoo Supergroup
Lower
MEG
NAF
NBC
PAF
PAG
NP
Neutralisation Potential
PT
Parting
RBCT
SPLP
SSV
TDS
TFR
Upper
VF
Vryheid Formation
WCF
XRD
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Introduction
Exxaro Resources Limited (Exxaro) commissioned SRK Consulting (SRK) to undertake a
geochemical characterisation study of the material likely to be stockpiled at the Proposed Rietkuil
Private Siding, prior to rail transport to its final destination. This is required as specialist input to the
Environmental Impact Assessment processes and to generate a management plan for the activities
of the proposed stockpiling operation on the receiving environment.
This report documents the geochemical work conducted to characterize the coal material likely to be
stockpiled at the siding with respect to the acid rock drainage and metal leaching (ARD/ML)
potential. The report includes the background of the project, a brief review of a regional acid base
accounting (ABA) study of the Witbank Coal Fields, site specific geochemical characterisation of the
coal stockpiled and recommendations from the study.
Background
Exxaro proposes to construct a private siding and associated infrastructure south west of the
proposed Belfast Coal Mine. Exxaro intends on exporting a percentage of the coal mined at the
proposed Belfast Coal Mine and requires a suitable siding accessible to the existing coal line to
Richards Bay Coal Terminal (RBCT). The proposed private siding is to be located parallel and northwest of the existing Transnet Freight Rail (TFR) Rietkuil Station within the existing Exxaro Arnot Coal
Mines Mining Right area. The Rietkuil Private Railway Siding will be constructed on an appropriately
engineered surface area planned to cover a footprint of at least 43 hectares (including the Transnet
servitude).
The proposed Rietkuil Private Railway Siding will be equipped with a single signalled connection to
the existing Geluksplaas Wonderfontein TFR mainline. The proposed Rietkuil Private Railway
Siding will comprise of a rail way line adjacent to the coal loading platform. The accumulative length
of rail will be approximately 3.5 km and includes both the loading and run around lines. The stockpile
area should be able to accommodate approximately 54 000 tons of product with a height of 2.5 3
m.
The coal mined at the proposed Belfast Coal Mine is planned to be hauled from the mine along the
district D 1770 road for approximately 4.5 km before intersecting with the D 1110 to the south. From
the D 1110 road the route will continue in a north western direction for approximately 9 km before
intersecting with the N 4. The route will furthermore travel approximately 600 metres before turning
south on the P 15 -1 for 600 metres. From the P 15 -1 road the route will turn west on the D 383 road
for approximately 10 km before turning west on the D 1555 road for approximately 5.5 km.
A new road will be constructed to access the proposed Rietkuil Private Railway Siding. This access
road will intersect with the D 1555 provincial road. The private access road to the proposed siding is
to enable haulage trucks to enter the siding and off-load product at the planned coal stockpile area,
north of the existing TFR railway line.
The estimated loading capacity of the facility is in the region of 2.2 million tons of coal product per
annum. Typically haulage trucks (inter-link type) such as side tippers or similar type vehicles will be
used for haulage of product to the siding.
The accumulative length of rail will be approximately 3.5 km and includes both the loading and run
around lines. The stockpile area should be able to accommodate approximately 54 000 tons of
product with a height of 2.5 3 m.
To prevent any contamination of ground water and pollution of the sub-grade, liners will be installed
across the complete stockpile area.
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A Pollution Control Dam (PCD) with approximate capacity of 65 000 cubic metres and surface area
of approximately 3.3 hectares will be constructed on the north-western corner of the siding. The PCD
will be able to store runoff water from the complete dirty water area.
The PCD will be lined with an appropriate engineered liner. Runoff water captured within the PCD
will be utilised for dust suppression.
2.1
Geology
The following section describes the geology of the Belfast Coal Mine, as this is pertinent to the
geochemical characteristics of the material that is likely to be stockpiled at the Rietkuil Private
Railway Siding.
The Belfast Project belongs to the North Block Complex (NBC) besides Glisa Colliery, Strathrae
Colliery and Eerstelingsfontein Project. It is located within the Witbank Coal Fields (WCF). Five coal
seams are contained in a 70 m thick succession, consisting predominantly of sandstone with
subordinate siltstone and mudstone. The partings between seams are remarkably constant.
However, seam splits are fairly common. Typical stratigraphic columns in the WCF are presented in
Figure 2-2. Igneous intrusives (dolerite dykes) of the late Karoo age invariably characterise these
coal fields.
The project area is underlain by rocks of the Karoo Supergroup (KSG) on a basement of the older
Mokolian intrusives and extrusives. The KSG comprises mainly of a sedimentary succession of
sandstones, shales and coal measures. The coal measures are contained within the Vryheid
Formation (VF) that forms part of the Middle Ecca Group (MEG). The sedimentary succession
overlies the Dwyka Formation (DF), comprising of diamictites and tillites at the base of the Karoo
sequence.
The coal horizons developed consist of the No. 1 Seam which is sporadically developed with an
average thickness of 0.48 m at an average depth of 35 m. The No. 2 Seam is consistently developed
except in the areas where it has been eroded and has an average thickness of 2.79 m at an average
depth of 30 m. The No. 3 Seam is also sporadically developed due to erosion and has an average
thickness of 0.60 m at an average depth of 18 m.
The primary coal Seam development is on the No. 2 Seam. It is a sub-bituminous to bituminous coal
with an average A grade practical yield of 53% and middlings yield of 21 MJ/kg product of 28%.
OCHL/LAKJ
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OCHL/LAKJ
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Figure 2-2: Typical stratigraphic columns in the Witbank coal fields (simplified after Smith
and Whittaker 1986)
OCHL/LAKJ
To review the available geochemical information on coal from the Witbank Coal Field (WCF);
467209_PRPRS Geochem_FINAL
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To assess the ARD/ML potential of coal based on the review of available geochemical
information and analysis of coal samples from analogue mines; and
To recommend ARD/ML management options for the proposed Rietkuil Private Railway
Siding.
Scope of work
The scope of work comprised three tasks, as outlined below:
Literature review of available geochemical information on Belfast and Witbank Coal Fields
(WCF) in general;
Assessment of the ARD/ML potential of material stockpiled at the Rietkuil Private Railway
Siding based on the review of available geochemical information and analogue results from
other mines; and
Reporting Standard
5.1
5.2
Calculation of ion charge balances for the analysis of analysed solutions. A fundamental
property of aqueous solutions is that they are electrically neutral, so the equivalents of
cations analysed in the solution should balance that of the analysed anions. The charge
balance error was calculated (considering major anions and cations) using Equation 1.
Equation 1:
The following criteria were applied when deciding whether to accept or disregard the various
analytical data (Wsik, et.al, 2005):
OCHL/LAKJ
The sum of metal concentrations (determined by XRD percentage) were to fall within the
range of 98% to 103%; and
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5.3
Page 6
Where Cn is the concentration of the element in the sample and Bn is the crustal abundance of that
element.
Crustal abundances after Fortescue (1992) and Price (1997) were used to calculate the GAI values.
The GAI values are truncated to integer increments (0 through to 6, respectively) where a GAI of 0
indicates the element is present at a concentration similar to, or less than, median abundance and a
GAI of 6 indicates approximately a 100-fold, or greater, enrichment above median abundance. The
actual enrichment ranges for the GAI values are as follow:
As a general guide, a GAI of 3 or above is considered significant and such enrichment may warrant
further examination.
5.4
5.5
OCHL/LAKJ
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1 < NP/AP < 2: Uncertain. Assuming no errors in the prediction of effective AP and NP the
maximum NPR capable of generating ARD will be between 1 and 2. The classification of
tests with NPR between 1 and 2 may remain uncertain until the NPR is refined by kinetic
test; and
OCHL/LAKJ
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If NNP = NP- AP < 0, the sample has the potential to generate acid;
If NNP = NP - AP > 0, the sample has the potential to neutralise acid produced;
More specifically, any sample with NNP < 20 is potentially acid-generating; and
6.1
Desktop review
Information on the geology and geochemistry of coal generated from the WCF was sourced from
literature. This was important to interpret the analyses of the samples from the analogue collieries
that are located in close proximity to Belfast area, with these collieries used as indicative of the
geochemical characteristics of the material to be stockpiled at the Rietkuil Private Railway Siding.
The use of analogues is an accepted geochemical practice in instances where actual samples from
the mine under consideration are not available. As production has not started at the Belfast project,
there are no samples of material from the project, which would be stored at the Rietkuil Private
Railway Siding, available for geochemical testing.
6.1.1 Mineralogy
Mineralogical analysis studies carried out by Pinetown and Boer (2004) as part of a regional acid
base accounting (ABA) study of the Highveld/Witbank coalfields indicated that the coal contains the
acid generating sulfide mineral, pyrite. Fast acid neutralising carbonate minerals, calcite and
dolomite, are also present in the coal discard and coal fines (Vermeulen, Cruywagen, & Steyl, 2011
and Golder, 2009).
OCHL/LAKJ
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Table 6-1:
Page 9
Average NPR ratio and NNP for lithological units of the Witbank goldfield in an
open system (Pinetown & Boer, 2004)
Strata
NPR
ARD Potential
Above No 5 Seam
0.97
-0.15
PAF
-0.037
-78
PAF
0.27
-12
PAF
C4U (0.33)
-56
PAF
C4PT (0.64)
-0.78
PAF
C4L (0.79)
-0.75
PAF
Mean (0.49)
-19
PAF
4 to 2
0.02
-24
PAF
No 2 Seam
0.7
-10
PAF
2 to 1
3.4
11
NAF
No 1 Seam
0.61
-10
PAF
Below No 1 Seam
0.55
-1.8
PAF
No 5 Seam
5 to 4
No 4 Seam
Note: U Upper, PT Parting, L Lower, PAF Potentially acid forming, NAF Potentially non-acid forming
No 4 seam (lower);
In summary, the available background information indicates that the coal seams that constitute the
WCF stratigraphy are potentially acid generating.
6.2
Sampling
Three coal samples from seam No. 2 were collected by Exxaro as analogues that Exxaro believes to
be representative of the material to be stockpiled at the Rietkuil Private Railway Siding and these
were delivered to SRK for analyses. SRK understands from Exxaro that large diameter core were
drilled from the Belfast deposit to obtain the samples. The samples are composites from washability
analysis that Exxaro are currently undertaking as part of the project optimisation. Density fractions
OCHL/LAKJ
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were selected by Exxaro based on the results from the washability analysis to make up the samples.
Based on geological data, the deposit was divided into different areas (1, 2 & 3) by Exxaro on the
basis of the areas where coal was expected to have similar characteristics.
The samples were made up by Exxaro by combining different density fractions from the washability
analysis that was performed to ensure that the required grade is met. These samples were
considered by Exxaro as 95% representative of the coal that would be mined from Belfast area and
stockpiled at the Rietkuil Private Railway Siding. Only seam 2 coal will be stockpiled at the Rietkuil
Private Railway Siding (Figure 6-1).
The samples included the following:
The individual sub-samples were composited in the commercial laboratory SRK utilised for the
geochemical analyses. The following guidelines for the appropriate use of the composites were
followed:
OCHL/LAKJ
Composites were suitably used for inorganic substances such as metals, or substances of
very low volatility and not for volatile substances; and
A clear record of the discrete sub-samples that contributed to each composite was
maintained.
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Figure 6-1: Stratigraphic column of the Belfast Coal Mine project area (Groundwater
Complete, 2009)
6.3
Laboratory analysis
A suite of geochemical analyses was conducted on the coal sample with the objective of determining
the potential of the solid fraction to generate acidity and/or leach metals and salts.
The laboratory analysis was conducted by M&L Laboratory Services Pty Ltd in South Africa. The
analyses included the following:
OCHL/LAKJ
Acid Base Accounting (ABA) using the Modified Sobek Method and including sulfur
speciation with total sulfur determined using a Leco furnace and sulfate sulfur determined
gravimetrically;
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Synthetic Precipitation Leach Procedure (SPLP) EPA Method 1312 (with no modification)
with the extracts analysed for metals and metalloids by ICP-MS; and
Contact Leach Test ASTM D3987. The extracted fluid was analysed for the following:
o
Results
A summary of the laboratory results, data analysis and interpretation for the geochemical
characterisation of the coal samples are presented in this section. Detailed laboratory certificate of
analysis are presented in Appendix A.
7.1
Mineralogical composition
The composite coal sample was analysed using a PANalytical XPert Pro powder diffractometer in
configuration with an XCelerator detector and variable divergence and receiving slits with Fe
filtered Co-K radiation ( = 1.789). The phases were identified using XPert Highscore plus
software. The relative phase amounts (weight %) was estimated using the Rietveld method
(Autoquan Program). Amorphous phases were not taken into consideration, XRD only determines
crystalline phases and organic material in coal tends to obscure interpretations from raw coal XRD.
A summary of the mineralogical results of the composite coal sample is presented in Table 7-1.
Table 7-1: Mineralogical composition (% w/w) of the coal composite sample from Belfast mine
area listed in order of decreasing reactivity (weathering rates).
Acid
neutralising
minerals
Mineral Group
Mineral Name
Formula
Weight (%)
3 error
Calcite
CaCO3
1.7
0.72
Dolomite
CaMg(CO3)2
11
1.2
Kaolinite
Al4(OH)8(Si4O10)
52
1.6
Quartz
SiO2
35
1.5
Dissolving
Slow weathering
Inert (Resistant)
Total
100
The following is inferred from the mineralogy (Table 7-1) of the Belfast coal:
OCHL/LAKJ
Fast acid neutralising minerals, calcite and dolomite; occur in the coal at concentrations of
2.0% and 11% respectively. This indicates the presence of acid neutralising potential (NP)
and is consistent with previous study done on coal discard and coal fines (Vermeulen,
Cruywagen & Steyl, 2011 and Golder, 2009).
Quartz, an inert mineral, occurs in the coal as the second dominant mineral (34%).
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7.2
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Elemental composition
Elemental enrichment in the samples as indicated by GAI using the criterion detailed in section 3.3.3
is presented in Table 4 2. A GAI value of 0 indicates the element is present at a concentration similar
to or less than the crustal abundance and a GAI of 6 indicates approximately a 100 fold, or greater,
enrichment above crustal abundance. As a general guide, a GAI of 3 or above is considered
significant and indicates potential environmental concern.
Table 7-2: Elemental composition of coal samples from Belfast mine area. A GAI greater than
1 indicates elemental enrichment. GAI of elements with detection limits greater
than their crustal abundances is shown as a dash (-) in the table.
Element
Concentration (ppm)
Ag
Al
As
Ba
Be
Bi
Ca
Cd
Co
Cr
Cu
Fe
Hg
K
Mg
Mn
Mo
Na
Ni
P
Pb
Sb
Se
Sn
Sr
Th
Ti
Tl
U
V
Zn
Zr
<0.4
2 034
<2.0
206
1.8
0.6
43 100
<0.1
6.8
18
12
88 900
<0.1
5 300
19 400
500
<0.1
177
72
5 200
7.3
<1.0
<3.0
<2.0
266
2.2
159
<0.9
<0.4
18.1
1 955
9.4
GAI
0
2
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
2
0
0
0
0
0
4
0
Zinc (Zn) has a GAI of 4 indicating 24 to 48 times enrichment above crustal abundances;
Bismuth (Bi) and phosphorus (P) have a GAI of 2 indicating 6 to 12 times enrichment above
crustal abundances; and
All the other elements have a GAI of 0 indicating that their concentrations are similar to or
less than their crustal abundances.
In summary, the coal is enriched in Bi, P and Zn, considered significant and indicating potential
environmental concern. Zinc and Bi are chalcophyles and are associated with pyrite and other
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sulfate minerals as well as with dolomite in the coal. Bismuths abundance is related to the presence
of granitic detritus and organic matter in coal. Phosphorus is associated with the phosphate mineral
crandallite (CaAl3(PO4)2(OH)5.(H2O).
The enrichment of Zn in the coal sample could also be enhanced by the use of zinc chloride as a
dense medium in the washability analysis; where zinc chloride could adhere to the pores in the coal
and increase the detected Zn concentrations.
An enrichment does not necessary imply that these elements represent an environmental risk
although the enriched elements in the coal may leach into surface water and groundwater depending
on site conditions. The risk that these enriched elements presents is a function of the environmental
mobility of these elements, as assessed by leach tests in the later sections of this report.
7.3
7.3.1 Paste pH
The paste pH is indicative of the pore water quality. This pH is determined by the relative
magnitudes of the rates of acid generation (AP) and neutralisation (NP). The paste pH of the coal
samples is neutral (6.7) and indicates that the samples are characterised by a net neutral condition.
This is consistent with the buffering pH range of carbonate minerals of 5.5 to 6.9.
Sulfide sulfur (S ) concentration was 0.34% constituting 75% of TS. This indicates that the coal
material contains sulfide minerals at minor concentrations that were not detected by XRD analysis.
The coal will generate acidity or acidic drainage through oxidation of sulfide in the absence of acid
neutralising potential.
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Table 7-3: Summary of ABA, sulfur & carbon speciation results and NAG results for Belfast Coal Mine sample
MCX 00310 COMPOSITE
Paste
pH
TS
SO4
s.u
6.7
2-
2-
S (by
calculation)
TC
% as S
0.58
0.15
OC
TIC (by
difference)
TAP
% as C
0.43
62
57
SAP
Bulk
NP
CarbNP
TNPR (by
calculation)
SNPR (by
calculation)
TNNP(by
difference)
kg CaCO3/tonne
4.6
18
13
59
SNNP (by
difference)
NAG as
H2SO4
kg/tonne
383
41
46
NAG
pH
s.u
91
6.1
Notes:
s.u
standard unit
TS
Total Sulfur
TC
Total Carbon
OC
Organic Carbon
TIC
TAP
SAP
Bulk NP
Carb-NP
TNPR
Total Net Neutralisation Potential Ratio is the difference between Bulk NP and TAP
SNPR
Sulfide Neutralisation Potential Ratio (SNPR) is the ratio of SAP and Bulk NP
TNNP
Total Net Neutralisation Potential is the difference between Bulk NP and TAP
SNNP
Sulfide Net Neutralisation Potential is the difference between Bulk NP and TAP
NAG
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Acid generation potential (AP) refers to the total acid (H equivalent) the waste rock is capable of
producing irrespective of its fate. The primary sources of this acidity are oxidation of sulfide minerals,
dissolution of acidic-sulfate minerals and hydrolysis of metals from sulfide and sulfate minerals. In
the net near-neutral coal conditions, localised weathering or hydrothermal alterations may have
produced low solubility hydroxyl sulfate minerals. The potential acid generation expressed as kg
CaCO3 eq/tonne from the dissolution of sulfate minerals and sulfide oxidation was therefore
calculated from total sulfur as follows:
TAP (kg/t) = % total-sulfur x 31.25.
The total acid potential (TAP) was 18 kg CaCO3/t in the coal sample (Table 7-3).
Under neutral conditions, the potential for future mineral acid generation consists almost entirely of
acid from sulfide oxidation and was calculated from the sulfide content of the coal sample as follows:
SAP (kg/t) = % sulfide-sulfur x 31.25.
Sulfide acid potential (SAP) was 13 kg CaCO3/t in the coal sample (Table 7-3).
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(Table 7-3) indicating a higher content of NP relative to AP. This indicates the availability of NP to
neutralise acidity in the long term.
7.4
Leaching characteristic
To assess the leachability of the major and trace elements, the coal sample was subjected to shortterm leach tests (ASTM D3987). The results of short-term leach tests were used as a qualitative
screening tool to identify parameters of potential environmental concern.
Contact leach test involved the leaching of the coal sample using deionised water at a solid to liquid
ratio of 1:5. The mixture was agitated for 18 hours. The leachate was obtained by decantation
followed by pressure filtration and analysed for metals and non-metals.
The data quality of the leachate and water was assessed using ion balance (IB) between reported
cation and anion concentrations. The balance between cationic and anionic charge concentrations
was 98% and represents an acceptable level of analytical accuracy.
The contact leach results relative to ambient groundwater quality (SRK, 2014) and to South Africa
Water Quality Guidelines (SAWQG) for domestic use (DWAF, 1996) are presented in Table 7-4.
Concentrations in excess of the ambient groundwater quality and SAWQG guidelines are highlighted
red.
The following inferences were made from Table 7-4:
The elements that are leached at trace concentrations from the coal include B, Ba, Bi, Co,
Cu, K, Mg, Mn, Mo, Na, Ni, Sr and V; all of which are mobilised at concentrations that do not
exceed the ambient groundwater quality or SAWQG at neutral pH and therefore do not
constitute constituents of concern;
The concentration of the other minor-elements in the water-extracts was either below, or
close to the respective detection-limits (viz. typically within the range (0.1 50 g/L). This is
consistent with the hydro-geochemical expectation at neutral pH where metals exhibit
sparingly low solubility;
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Table 7-4: Contact leachate results (1:5 solid to liquid) for Belfast seam 2 coal sample relative
to ambient groundwater quality (SRK, 2014) and SAWQG (DWAF, 1996). Leachate
concentrations in excess of the guidelines are highlighted red.
Parameters (mg/l unless stated
otherwise)
pH (s.u)
EC, conductivity (mS/m @25 C)
NH4, ammonium
M Alk, total alkalinity (CaCO3)
Cl, chloride
SO4, sulfate
NO3 (as N), nitrate
F, fluoride
Ag, silver
Al, aluminium
As, arsenic
B, boron
Ba, barium
Be, berilium
Bi, bismuth
Ca, calcium
Cd, cadmium
Co, cobalt
Cr, chromium
Cu, copper
Fe, iron
Hg, mercury
K, potassium
Mg, magnesium
Mn, manganese
Mo, molybdenum
Na, sodium
Ni, nickel
P (as PO4), phosphorus
Pb, lead
Sb, antimony
Se, selenium
Sn, tin
Sr, strontium
Th, thorium
Ti, titanium
Tl, thalium
U, uranium
V, vanadium
Zn, zinc
Total dissolved solids, TDS
Ion balance (%)
MCX 00310
COMPOSITE
6.6
98
NA
3
242
28
0.5
<0.1
<0.004
<0.003
<0.0200
0.02
0.333
<0.002
0.01
40
0.001
0.20
<0.003
0.011
<0.001
<0.001
3.5
9.4
0.36
0.009
5.3
0.29
0.20
<0.010
<0.010
<0.030
<0.020
0.36
<0.002
<0.001
<0.009
<0.004
0.02
164
544
98
SAWQG Target
Values
6.0-9.0
0-70
NS
NS
0-100
0-200
0-6
0-1
NS
NS
NS
NS
NS
NS
NS
0-32
0-0.05
NS
NS
0-0.15
0-0.1
NS
0-50
0-30
0-0.05
NS
0-100
NS
NS
0 - 0.01
NS
NS
NS
NS
NS
NS
NS
NS
0-0.1
0-3
0-450
-
Bismuth (Bi) and P although identified as enriched in the coal sample (Table 7-2), are
mobilised at concentrations that do not exceed the ambient groundwater quality or SAWQG
at the neutral pH and therefore do not constitute constituents of concern; and
The concentrations of the major ions (Mg, K, Na and SO 4) are low. This may be attributed to
the fact the coal samples were fresh from washability tests and were therefore not exposed
to oxidation condition to release metals at concentrations of potential concern. In addition,
the washability test process may have washed away the oxidation products on the surface of
the material. However, under field conditions, the concentrations of the major metals would
be expected to increase through oxidation and weathering.
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In summary, the constituents of concern that could potentially be leached from the coal stockpiled at
the Rietkuil Private Railway Siding, under neutral pH conditions, include Ca, Cl, TDS and Zn.
Calcium is attributed to the presence of the soluble carbonate minerals, calcite and dolomite, in the
coal sample. Although zinc is inherent in the mineralogy of coal, additional Zn and Cl are introduced
into the coal sample during the washability test where ZnCl is used as a dense medium. These
elements may leach into surface water and groundwater depending on site conditions.
Appropriate stockpile management should be enforced at the siding, where the residence
time of the material in stockpile is minimised. Furthermore where practical, stockpile
management should include mechanisms to ensure that the entire volume of material is
removed periodically, rather than retaining a layer at the base of the stockpile which does
not get removed. This will minimise the time period in which pyrite oxidation can occur which
in turn should limit the salinity of runoff and seepage from the stockpiles.
The liners below the stockpile and the PCD should be engineered in a manner to ensure that
the potential permeability through the liners is minimised with runoff and seepage flow into
the PCD maximised.
The level in the PCD should be maintained to ensure that there is adequate buffer zone in
the facility to store the design flood event without overtopping as the quality of water in the
PCD is likely to be saline.
If the PCD water is used for dust suppression as intended, then spraying should only occur
in areas that area within the catchment of the PCD.
The concentrations of the major elements and metals (including Ca, Cl, TDS and Zn) should
be monitored as a minimum analytical suite.
Prepared by
Levi Ochieng
Geochemist
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Reviewed by
Project Reviewer
All data used as source material plus the text, tables, figures, and attachments of this document
have been reviewed and prepared in accordance with generally accepted professional engineering
and environmental practices.
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References
Department of Water Affairs and Forestry. (1996). South African Water Quality Guidelines, Second
Edition. Domestic Use.
GARD Guide. (2009). Global Acid Rock Drainage Guide. www.gardguide.com: The International
Network for Acid Prevention.
MEND. (2009). Prediction Manual for Drainage Chemistry from Sulfidic Geological Materials. British
Columbia, Canada: Mine Environment Neutral Program (MEND) Report 1.20.1.
Pinetown, K., & Boer, R. (2004). A Quantitative Evaluation of the Modal Distribution of Minerals in
Coal Deposits in the Highveld Area and the Associated Impact on the Geneartion of Acid
and Neutral Mine Drainage. Project No. 1264: Water Research Commission.
Smith , D., & Whittaker, R. (1986). The Springs-Witbank Coalfields in Mineral Deposits of South
Africa, II. (C. Anhaeusser, & S. Maske, Eds.) Geological Society of South Africa, 1969-1984.
SRK. (April 2014). Exarro Railway Siding and Haul Road Environmental Study: Groundwater and
Surface Water Specialist Study. Report No. 467209.
Vermeulen, D., Cruywagen, L. M., & Steyl, G. (2011). ABA and Kinetic Cells Report for Middelburg
Mine. University of the Free State, Institute for Groundwater Studies. Bloomfontein: Report
No. 2011/12/PDV.
GARD Guide. (2009). Global Acid Rock Drainage Guide. www.gardguide.com: The International Network for
Acid Prevention.
Groundwater Complete. (November 2009). Belfast Project: Baseline Report on Geohydrogical Investigation
as Part of the EIA and IWULA for the Proposed Mining Operation. Exxaro.
MEND. (2009). Prediction Manual for Drainage Chemistry from Sulfidic Geological Materials. British
Columbia, Canada: Mine Environment Neutral Program (MEND) Report 1.20.1.
SRK. (April 2014). Exarro Railway Siding and Haul Road Environmental Study: Groundwater and Surface
Water Specialist Study. Report No. 467209.
Wasik, E., Bohdziewicz, J., & Cwiklak, K. (2005, December). Ion Balance in NF-Treated Well Water for
Drinking Water Production. Desalination, 186(1-3), 81-87.
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Appendices
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Report No.
467209
Copy No.
Electronic
Name/Title
Company
Copy
Date
Authorised by
SRK
Sept 2014
Lakj
Approval Signature:
This report is protected by copyright vested in SRK (SA) (Pty) Ltd. It may not be reproduced or
transmitted in any form or by any means whatsoever to any person without the written permission of
the copyright holder, SRK.
OCHL/LAKJ
467209_PRPRS Geochem_FINAL
September 2014