Image: Tomas Westermark
PhD project within the Industrial Doctoral School at Umeå University
This project investigates acid mine drainage (AMD), a critical environmental challenge where sulfuric acid and toxic heavy metals leach from waste rocks into surrounding ecosystems. In close collaboration with the mining company Boliden and Luleå Technical University (LTU), this research aims to develop an effective and sustainable solution to mitigate AMD by promoting the growth of passive overlayers on reactive waste rock. By preventing waste rock oxidation at its source, this approach seeks to significantly reduce the environmental footprint of mining operations.
Industrial Doctoral School, 50 per cent
Boliden AB, 50 per cent
Acid mine drainage (AMD) is a natural process occurring during the weathering of sulfide-bearing rocks. However, mining activities and large-scale earth disturbances expose vast quantities of sulfide minerals, dramatically amplifying environmental impact. When minerals such as pyrite (FeS₂) are exposed to air and water, they undergo oxidation, releasing sulfuric acid. This acidic environment subsequently mobilizes toxic heavy metals—including arsenic, copper, and nickel—which pose serious risks to human health and wildlife. The resulting low pH conditions adversely affect aquatic organism survival and reproduction, disrupt nutrient cycling, and degrade aquatic habitats.
The oxidation reactions driving AMD generation are highly complex, presenting significant challenges for developing effective treatment strategies. This Molecular Geochemistry project employs a suite of advanced techniques to probe AMD reactions from the molecular to the nanoscale. The research focuses on testing and understanding innovative solutions that can reduce or prevent pyrite oxidation at its source, ultimately mitigating the environmental consequences of mining operations.
Read more on the webpage Molecular Geochemistry at Umeå University
