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ENV-ARD-24 Environmental & Water Analysis

Acid Rock Drainage (ARD): Acid-Base Accounting (ABA) & NAG Testing

Static geochemical characterization determining the acid-generating or acid-neutralizing capacity of mine waste rock and tailings for EIA, closure planning, and tailings storage design.

Detection Limits kg H2SO4 / tonne equivalent (0.1 kg/t precision)
Turnaround (TAT) Standard: 5-7 Working Days
Sample Requirement 1.0 kg representative waste rock, drill core, or tailings pulp
Quality Framework ISO/IEC 17025 Compliant

Analytical Overview & Methodology

Acid Rock Drainage (ARD) represents one of the largest long-term environmental liabilities in mining. RVA Laboratories provides comprehensive Acid-Base Accounting & NAG Testing (ENV-ARD-24) to support environmental compliance.

Technical Method Specifications (ENV-ARD-24)
Method Code ENV-ARD-24
Element Coverage Maximum Potential Acidity (MPA), Neutralization Potential (NP), Net Neutralization Potential (NNP), NAG pH
Detection Range kg H2SO4 / tonne equivalent (0.1 kg/t precision)
Sample Requirement 1.0 kg representative waste rock, drill core, or tailings pulp
Instrumentation Automated Titrators + LECO Sulphur Analyzer + Temperature-Controlled Reaction Vessels
Standard Turnaround Standard: 5-7 Working Days

Laboratory Protocols & Execution Specs

  • Acid Potential: Total & Sulphide Sulphur via LECO for Maximum Potential Acidity (MPA)
  • Neutralization Potential (NP): Modified Sobek titration method
  • NAG Testing: Hydrogen peroxide accelerated oxidation testing (NAG pH & NAG titration)
  • Classification: Standard AMIRA / GARD ARD risk classification reporting

JORC & NI 43-101 Data Integrity Guarantee

Every batch tested under method ENV-ARD-24 includes matrix-matched Certified Reference Materials (CRMs), analytical blanks, and duplicate splits at a minimum 20% insertion rate. Official digital Certificates of Analysis are digitally signed and traceable.