Acid Mine Drainage

Save the Wild U.P. is a grassroots nonprofit organization based in Marquette, Michigan with deep concerns about the economic, social, and environmental impacts of nonferrous mining.  Membership is open to all who desire to help Save the Wild U.P. protect the quality of our environment and the permanent economic base of our economy by opposing experimental, historically risky, metallic sulfide or uranium mining.

There has never been a metallic sulfide mine that has failed to pollute its watershed.  Once such a reaction starts, it is difficult to keep this acid drainage out of the water.  When water becomes acidic, it leaches out and disperses heavy metals into lakes and streams.  Heavy metals are dangerous to health, wildlife, and the environment.

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Acid mine drainage (AMD) is the outflow of acidic water from (usually abandoned) metal or coal mines.  AMD may also occur in other areas where the earth has been disturbed, such as construction sites, subdivisions, transportation corridors, etc.  AMD is also typical downstream from coal stocks, coal handling facilities, and coal washeries.

AMD occurs when mineral pyrite (FeS2) is exposed to air and water, resulting in the formation of sulfuric acid and iron hydroxide.

Water that comes in contact with pyrite usually turns a characteristic orange-red or yellow-orange color.  The orange material is iron oxide, which is basically rust.

Adapted from Wikipedia.