Course Overview
This course covers a review of Extractive Metallurgy processes and associated pollution control practice. Current pollution abatement practices in the mining industry and mine reclamation practices are also included. The course covers modern technologies for control of sulfur dioxide, particulates, nitrogen oxides and others. In addition, control techniques for liquid wastes, acid mine drainage, and solid wastes are also included.
Prerequisite(s)
- 2 yr Science Diploma
Credits
2.0
- Not offered this term
- This course is not offered this term. Notify me to receive email notifications when the course opens for registration next term.
Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion, the student will be able to:
- Provide an overview of the mining and extractive metallurgy industries.
- Describe mining practices and processes.
- Describe extractive metallurgy processes.
- Discuss fundamental air pollution issues associated with mining and metallurgy.
- Describe sulphur dioxide sources: chemistry of sulphur dioxide formation from metal sulphates; environmental effects; in-plant control of sulphur dioxide in metallurgical operations.
- Discuss particulates: sources of particulates in the mining and extractive metallurgy industries; overview of health and environmental effects.
- Explain air pollution control technologies.
- Describe particulate controls: electrostatic precipitators; cyclone collectors; fabric filters.
- Describe sulphur dioxide controls: scrubber designs; lime scrubber, chemistry, operational parameters; limestone scrubber, chemistry, operation; US TVA projects in sulphur dioxide removal; advanced systems of sulphur dioxide removal.
- Describe nitrogen oxide(s) controls.
- Discuss radioactive materials.
- Discuss personnel protection.
- Describe established analytical methods for:
- Sampling methods
- Sulphur dioxide
- Metals
- Particulates (US EPA Method 5)
- Radioactive materials.
- Identify sources of water pollution in the mining industry.
- Describe process parameters.
- Discuss suspended solids, pH, turbidity and other classical indicators of water pollution: metals; asbestos; silica; coal dust; radioactive materials.
- Describe selected analytical procedures: WCB methods, other methods (NIOSH, EPA, Environment Canada): pH, conductivity, turbidity; Stomic Absorption methods: analysis of mercury, lead; Inductively Coupled Plasma: multi-element analysis; bioassay techniques; principles, classical methods and toxicity tests.
- Describe liquid waste treatment.
- Explain inplant treatment (extractive metallurgy).
- Explain acid rock drainage: formation; microbiology; treatment methods; analytical procedures.
- Describe solid waste management issues.
- Explain the nature of wastes.
- Explain the disposal of tailings.
- Discuss current pollution abatement practices in the mining and extractive metallurgy industry case studies:
- Air pollution control
- Water pollution control
- Solid waste
- Integrated waste management practices.
- Describe environmental impact assessment in the mining industry.
- Discuss legislation: federal, BC waste management and permits.
- Discuss mine reclamation practices.
Effective as of Fall 2003
Programs and courses are subject to change without notice. Find out more about BCIT course cancellations.