james r. trusler consultant and geologist february 14, 1991

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31M05NE0883 63.6146 LORRAIN 010

ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORINGOF THE TREATMENT AND

DISCHARGE OF ARSENICALEFFLUENT FROM TAILINGS PONDSAT THE HELLENS EPLETT MINEBUCKE AND LORRAIN TOWNSHIPS

NTS: 31M/5Lat: 47 -24'Long: 79 -38'

James R. Trusler Consultant and Geologist

February 14, 1991

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SUMMARY

The Hellens Eplett Mining Inc. mine is a recent Cobalt area silver producer which shut down during the initial exploration development stages in 1988 after trial milling. A total of 4500 tons were put through the mill into the primary (upper) tailings pond. Initial discharges of effluent from the secondary pond were found to contain arsenic levels in excess of Ministry of Environment standards of 0.5 mg/litre. To make matters worse effluent volumes have been accumulating at a more rapid rate than originally forecast.

The directors of Hellens Eplett Mining Inc. wish to render the tailings containment facility environmentally passive and have recommended to MOE a multistep approach to treating the effluent with iron sulphate to remove arsenic and discharging the treated effluent into Slate Creek. Costly delays were experienced with the MOE approval process so that when the program got underway in November 1990 the cold weather hampered progress significantly. As a consequence it was decided to defer completion until later in 1991.

Approximately 5,000,000 gallons of effluent were treated and 2,665,000 gallons of treated effluent were discharged into Slate Creek over an eleven day period. Over 2,000,000 gallons of treated effluent and 3,000,000 gallons of untreated effluent remain to be dealt with.

After draining the tailings, the tailings will be heaped, covered with clay and seeded.

It is proposed that the tailings dams be breached after this for free flow of run off. This approach is supported by the known hydrological characteristics of the Slate Creek watershed and arsenic concentrations in the receiving stream would be well below Ministry of Environment objectives.


31M85NEea03 63.6146 LORRAIN O1OC

TABLE OF CONTENTS

SUMMARY.. . . . . . . . . . .... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . iINTRODUCTION................................................lLOCATION AND ACCESS.........................................lPROPERTY DESCRIPTION........................................5GENERAL GEOLOGY.............................................10PROPERTY GEOLOGY............................................11MINERALIZATION..............................................11GENERAL DESCRIPTION OF LANDSCAPE.........,..................14PROGRAMME...................................................15

Scope.......................................,...... . . . . 15Upper Pond Treatment...................................15Drainage of Upper Tailings Pond.................... . . . . 16Water Quality Monitoring..........................., . ..19Discussion Hydrology and Arnesic Levels................23

CONCLUSIONS.................................................23

LIST OF FIGURES

No.-. TITLE PAGE

FIG. l PROPERTY AND LOCATION MAP. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2MAP l GENERAL GEOLOGY COBALT AREA.. ,........ . . . . . . . 12FIG 2 E-W GENERAL GEOLOGY SECTION OF PROPERTY......l3

LIST OF TABLES

NO. TITLE PAGE

1 PROPERTY DESCRIPTION AND OWNERSHIP...........32 HELLENS EPLETT; DRAINAGE OF TREATED EFFLUENT

FROM PRIMARY (UPPER) TAILINGS POND.... . . . . . . . 173 ARSENIC MONITORING PROGRAMME.................204 EFFLUENT MONITORING PROGRAMME................215 MONITORING PROGRAMME SLATE CREEK DOWNSTREAM..226 WATERSHED STATISTICS FOR SLATE CREEK.........24


Page 1...

INTRODUCTION

During 1987 and 1988 a 2 compartment tailings pond system was excavated to handle tailings and water from the Hellens Eplett mill. In April 1988 the mill was operating , mine water was draining into the upper pond and initial discharge into Slate Creek was made. It became apparent very quickly by June that both the effluent build up and arsenic levels were excessive.

The mill closed in July 1988 and the mine stopped pumping in October. With Ministry of Environment Approval water has been pumped into the mine workings from the tailings pond in late 1988, in the fall of 1989 and in the early fall of 1990. High levels on the lower pond were also relieved by pumping from the lower to upper ponds in April - May 1990.

The Company has applied for approval for various remedial works from Ministry of Environment which has only approved the treatment and drainage of the tailings ponds under controlled conditions.

This report covers the description of conditions and chemical monitoring carried out, prior to and during treatment and later discharge of the upper tailings pond. Due to harsh weather conditions the upper pond was only half emptied and the level on the lower pond was moderated by pumping it back into the upper pond. Treatment and discharge of the remaining effluent has been deferred until the spring of 1990.

LOCATION AND ACCESS

The Hellens-Splett Mining Inc. silver property is located approximately on mile southeast of the town of North Cobalt, in the Townships of Bucke and Lorrain, District of Timiskaming, Sudbury Mining Division, northeastern Ontario (Figure 1). The towns of Cobalt and Haileybury lie a few miles to the west and north of the property respectively, and have well developed infrastructures. The region is connected to major Ontario centres by Highways 1 1 and 567, and the Ontario Northland Railway.

Access to the property is achieved by driving east and southeast for approximately 1-1/2 miles from the town of North Cobalt on highway 567 and then approximately 1/2 mile on a gravel road branching off to the south. The gravel road crosses the entire property in a north-south direction.

PROPERTY DESCRIPTION

The property comprises approximately 740 acres and is registered to International Platinum Corporation, Hellens Eplett Mining Inc. and Silverside Resources Inc. as outlined on Table l and Fig 1 . The mill and tailing ponds are located on parcels 2656 NND and its surface rights 21305 SST which comprise the north half of lot l concession 12.

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FIGURE l

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HELLENS-EPLETT PROPERTY

T, nlttemlof

Key Mop Scale: l"* SOmilei

60*

Lake timiskaming

SYMBOLS

9 Potent surface Q Mining rightsB Lease surface 6 Mining rights

.P.O.

S1S.R.O.

Hellens-Eplett Mining Inc. North Cobalt, OntarioN.T.S. 31M/5

Property and Location MapLorrain Twp., Ontario

Timiskaming District, OntarioDate: August I988 Scole'l":l320' Figure No. : l

1 Page 3..

1

1PARCEL NO.

m

15302 SST

B 15299 SST

| 15299 SST

1 4576 LTIM

1 2656 NND

m 2 1305 SST

. 13338 SST

113338 SST

115299 SST

1

815 SST

B 15298 SST

1 1939 TIM

1

1

1

1

TABLE


LORRAIN

CLAIM NO. DESCRIPTION

T-25679 SE 1/4, S 1/2LI, C12

T-19096 SW 1/4, S 1/2LI, C12

T-19202 NE 1/4, S 1/2LI, C12

T-46992 NW 1/4, S 1/2LI, C12

N 1/2, LI, C12

SR TO ABOVE N 1/2, LI, C12

T-25684 SW 1/4, S 1/2L2, C12

T-25683 NW 1/4, S 1/2L2 , C12

T-14968 SW 1/4, N 1/2L2, C12

SR to above SW 1/4, N 1/2L2, C12

NW 1/4, N 1/2L2, C12

SR to above NW 1/4, N 1/2L2, C12

TWP.

MINING RIGHTS (MR)OWNER OR SURFACE RIGHTS

IPCO 50* MRSILVERSIDE 50*



IPCO 50* MR ftSILVERSIDE 50*

IPCO 50* MR SILVERSIDE 50*

HELLENS EPLETT SR MINING

IPCO 50* MR SSILVERSIDE 50*

IPCO 50* MR 5tSILVERSIDE 50*


HELLLENS EPLETT SRMINING


HELLENS EPLETT SRMINING

(SF

SR

SR

SR

1 Page 4...

1 *1 PARCEL NO. CLAIM NO,

m 2 1306 SST

3840 SST SR TO ABOVE

15537 L. TIM S548444

1 3312 TIM

1 4280 SST

B 5649 SST

2195 SST

13030 SST

B 23005 SST

m 2 1324 SST

f" vP

1

1

1

1

1

1H

TABLE 1


BUCKE.JWP

MINING RIGHTS (MR)DESCRIPTION OWNER OR SURFACE

SW 1/4. S 1/2 IPCO 50* L14. C I SILVERSIDE 50*

SW 1/4, S 1/2 HELLENS EPLETTL14. CI MINING

S pt of NW 1/4 SILVERSIDES 1/2. L14, CI

NE 1/4. S 1/2 HELLENS EPLETTL12. CI MINING

SE/4 S/2 S S/2 HELLENS EPLETTNE/4, S/2 L13. CI MINING

NW/4 S 1/2. L13. CI HELLENS EPLETT MINING

PT SW 1/4, N 1/2 HELLENS ePLETTL13, CI MINING

N/2 NE 1/4, S 1 /2 HELLENS EPLETTL13, CI MINING

PT SW 1/4, N 1/2 HELLENS EPLETT L13, CI MINING

RIGHTS (SR)

MR

SR

MR & SR

SR

SR

SR

SR

SR

SR

SR


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Property History

The early history of the Hellens-Eplett North Cobalt Property is largely unknown. Exploration pits located in the central and west-central part of the property show that some exploration was done early in Cobalt's history. No available records mention these ventures.

In 1979 Silverside Resources Inc. started an exploration program consisting of diamond drilling on the property under the direction of Mr. William Hammerstrom, a local mining man and prospector. The drilling was oriented to find a north-south structure and extend on the Silverside ground. Other holes were drilled to encounter faults, which in other parts of the camp have contained silver ore. While the Pan Silver number one vein was never reliably located and little silver was found, information on the attitude of the basement contacts and the faulting in the area was collected which later proved to be extremely valuable.

In 1981 Patterson, Grant and Watson were contracted to run Magnetometer and VLF-EM surveys over the property. Neither was effective in picking up the relatively small veins and discontinuous silver mineralization. Both surveys were, in part, masked by the regional electric power line which runs over the property and coincidentally, over the silver deposit. The magnetometer survey picked up the contacts between the diabase which contains some magnetite and the Huronian sedimentary rocks. The VLF-EM picked up some of the major faults, mostly it is believed, due to clay filled depressions overlying them. Some ten anomalies were located and later drilled confirming the presence of faults in these locations. Some other holes were wildcatted on the property at various locations at this time: two of which intersected very minor but anomalous silver values in fractures.

In 1983 a new drill program was started using the information from previous programs as a basis for a reinterpretation of the structure of the area. Drilling was done in the area of the previous minor silver values and was oriented across what was assumed to be the direction of fracturing interpreted from the orientation of the faults and the strike of the basement stratigraphy. The third hole encountered the area which is now known to host the One, Two and Three veins and yielded a silver value of economic grade over a mineable width. Drilling was continued on fifty foot centres yielding a success ratio of one in three for the rest of the year.

In 1984 Silver Lake Resources Inc. entered into a joint venture with Silverside Resources Inc. to explore the property. More diamond drilling was done to extend the strike of the known veins. An unusual amount of sulfide containing minor silver values


Page 6.

had been obtained from one of the early drill holes. This was assumed to be the halo around a silver vein running parallel to the drill hole and a hole was drilled at right angles to the previous drilling. Two intersections were obtained which later proved to be from the number four and five veins. Drilling was continued on all veins to extend the strike of the veins and to try to encounter new veins. From 1981 to 1984 a total of 89 drill holes were started. A seismic survey for the purpose of establishing the elevations of the unconformities was also run over the area hosting the silver bearing veins. Results of the survey were compared to known information from drilling and showed that the instruments had been unable to distinguish either diabase and Huronian sedimentary rocks or layers of sedimentary rocks and the Epi-Archean unconformity. Geocanex was the contractor for the survey and Garth B. Burton did the interpretation for that company. The report is available in the geology files.

In 1985 a decision was made to drive a 2600 ft long ten ft by thirteen ft. exploration ramp on the property at a grade of approximately 15* (later lengthened to 2800 ft. to include a sump). Although reserve calculations indicated that only 350,000 to 500,000 contained ounces of silver had been outlined, it was the feeling of the management committee that, given the history of the Cobalt Camp, this constituted a sufficient basis for considerable quantities of new reserves to be expected once underground operations commenced. Ramp construction began in May of 1985 under the direction of Mr. David Scott, then project manager, and continued until December 3, 1985 when financial difficulties on the part of Markel Mining and Tunnelling forced them to discontinue work on the ramp. Mr. George Partridge was hired in the fall of 1985 as the mine geologist. Plans showing the progress of the ramp were made and are presently stored with the other engineering plans.

Surface diamond drilling on other areas of the property was continued in 1985 for the purpose of encountering new veins. A VLF-EM survey was run over claim no. T25684 to locate structures that might later be used to analyze the trends of major structures in the area prior to drilling. A few major linears were detected but much of the area was masked by the depth of clay and by swampy ground. The orientations of several faults were determined by this survey. Later drilling appeared to confirm this. No major silver veins were encountered in this drilling although several minor gold and silver values were obtained, mostly in sulphides.

The area just east of the juncture of the Slate Creek and Mackenzie (west) faults was also drilled. The Huronian sedimentary layer proved to be very thin, (5 ft. to 30 ft.) in that area. While strong dolomite veining was encountered in the diabase, few veins were found in the Huronian, Several interesting sludge values one as high as 9.78 oz Ag/ton collected over 10 feet, were obtained from the diabase but no evidence of silver veining could


Page 7...

be seen in core in any of these areas nor were the results confirmed in extensive sampling of drill core. Reassaying produced similar results. The core corresponding to the sludge values was well broken up and it was considered probable that some grinding of core had occurred, explaining the apparent inconsistencies. (Frequently wire silver occurs in joints in diabase. This is seldom preserved in drill core H. Moore personal communication). A closer spacing of holes and different orientations of drilling were used to attempt to confirm the presence of significant silver veining, but without success. Drilling did show, however, that a thicker layer of Huronian sedimentary rock (in excess of 200 ft. thick) lay on the western side of the Mackenzie Fault-Slate Creek Fault juncture.

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Canadian Mine Development was hired by the company holding Markel's performance bond. The Guarantee Company of North America, and work on the ramp continued in early January of 1986. A bulk sample of ore (about 695 tons) was taken from number l and 5 veins. This material was crushed and tested at Temiskaming Testing Laboratories in Cobalt and yielded a composite grade of about 26.88 oz Ag/ton. In March 1986, Hellens-Eplett mining was formed as a joint venture company between Silverside Resources and Silver Lake Resources (now International Platinum) as owner and operator of the property. Graham Mining was hired by Hellens Eplett Mining to continue the underground preparation for mining. In September, 1986 David Scott left the company and was replaced by Richard LaPrairie as mine manager.

The 4-520 and 4-502 sublevels were continued and the 4-620, 1-560, 2-544 and 2-600 sublevels were started that year as well as the raises pertaining to their construction. Diamond drilling was continued throughout 1986 both to attempt to increase the ore reserves in the known veins and to find new veins. Drilling within the vein systems indicated the presence of three ore shoots within the number four vein but showed that it was unlikely the silver mineralization continued north beyond the north branch of the Mackenzie Fault in that vein. Three diamond drill holes were placed to test the depth of the overburden and general rock conditions for a proposed 300 ft. ventilation raise/escape way. The ventilation raise was completed before Christmas in 1986.

Mertens and MacNeil Geophysics was contracted in April of 1986 to run several lines of I.P. over the area of the known veins in order to test the ability of this method of geophysics to pick up the narrow structures or the associated disseminated mineralization. The test was unsuccessful and it was the opinion of Ron Mertens that this method would be of little value.

Graham Mining finished their contract in February of 1987 and the mine was shut down for three months to await financing. During that period three staff members were retained to maintain the pumps and d"o miscellaneous work, Richard LaPrairie, George Hill, and

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Vincent Burns. Mr. George Partridge was not called back to work after the lay off since the mine manager wanted to cut back on expenditures. During this period several pilot mill tests were run by RMC Inc. of St. Jerome, Quebec and a proprietary acid leach process for recovery of cobalt and silver was tested. The test was technically successful but RMC declined to conduct refining operations on behalf of Hellens-Eplett since the dry grinding of concentrates created hazardous levels of arsenic dust in the working environment.

When operations were resumed a headframe was erected over the ventilation raise so that it could be utilized for skipping muck to surface. Since the headframe would not be used to carry passengers, the Ministry of Labour allowed a simple steel girder construction to be used, without the usual emergency systems necessary for carrying men. The headframe was designed by Bill Praskey and Richard LaPrairie and checked by Ibrihm ElAmin P.Eng..John Humphreys, Vitus Sinkus, and Ron Kennedy gave the Ministry approval.

A tailings pond was also constructed on the property. It was designed by Dennis Netherton Associates. The original {and approved) design called for three stages of work, last of which would have to have been done to increase the capacity of the pond at some later date. Most of the first stages of construction were completed. Some of the rip-rap still needs to be placed on the south berm to comply with the ministry approved plans if the pond is to be used. The operation was shut down before work on the pond was completed.

A mill (rated at 100 tons per day) was purchased from J.M. Ore Dressing of Timmins on recommendations from Mr. Louis Bernard, a consultant milling and mining expert, Mr. John Mortimer a milling consultant, Mr. A.L. Hellens and Mr. A.D. Hellens, the two former being consultants brought in by the management committee to oversee the commencement of operations. The mill was inspected by Mr. Bernard, Mr. LaPrairie, Mr. Mortimer and members of the management committee and pronounced suitable. Construction on the mill building began in early fall 1987. The mill was nearly operational by Christmas, lacking only a few additions. Fine tuning of the mill was planned for early in 1988.

During the summer of 1987 a mise a 1 la masse survey was run over the known veins and over some additional ground to the west. Reme Belange 1 of Rouyn Noranda was contracted to do the work. The veins were charged directly from underground and readings were taken both on surface and down hole from some of the underground drill holes. The surface readings completely failed to pick up the known veins. A conductor was located to the northwest of the ore body but later drilling of the anomaly failed to pick up any ore bearing structures. It is this writer's opinion that the conductor is associated with faulting in that area.


Page 9...

Mr. David Brons was hired in September of 1987 as a minegeologist.

Since ore reserve estimates were highly variable, early in 1988 Mr. Peter Bevin of Toronto, a consulting mining geologist, was brought in to check procedures and advise as to the possibility of discovering new reserves. Mr. Bevin was satisfied with the procedures and recommended some other face and muck sampling methods since the previous assays of muck samples tended to yield erratic results necessitating multiple samples. Mr. Bevin also recommended that drill hole sections and assay plans and sections be contructed.

In the early spring of 1988 a surface pulse EM survey was run over the property. It was thought that this geophysical method might be used to find interflow sedimentary units or base metal zones in the Archean basement rock. Lines were cut at 300 ft. spacings and readings were taken at 100 ft. intervals. Both north- south and east-west orientations were used. Some conductors were located. Most of these correlated with the locations and orientations of major fault zones. Two of the conductors were later drilled and proved to be faults within the Huronian sections. The rest of the conductors remain untested.

The low grade ore pile was used to start fine tuning the mill in March 1988. It was discovered that the grinding index of the ore was higher than previously expected and the average production was estimated to be in the 40 TPD range instead of the expected 100 TPD. A table of the estimated production is shown below.

Month Total Tons Total Ib Con Total oz Ree. K Recovery

March 580 8241 6737.06 37.64April 1416 27574 11269.02 66.20May 1275 33048 17076.69 88.65June 1342 53617 31759.49 92.10July 81 7413 7063.07 93.97

The mill ran from March to the end of June and for the first three days of July. Ore grade material was run from about mid May to the end of operations. The figures used in the table above are obtained from the mill records. In fact the final assay grade of the concentrate turned out to be slightly lower than was calculated from mill sampling. Another problem was encountered with the amount of concentrate shipped. The weight of each shipment was checked at Temiskaming Testing Laboratories and in each case turned out to be somewhat lighter than anticipated from weighings at the mill. This, suggests that the mill scales were not properly calibrated. It is possible that less tonnage was actually produced than is shown here as the numbers were estimated from regular belt weighings rather than from a belt weightometer. Final figures

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concerning production may be found in the "milling" files from the project managers office.

It was further discovered that arsenic levels in the tailings pond effluent did not, as was expected, decrease but rather increased, Since the mine water was also pumped into the tailings pond by M.O.E. order this necessitated finding a method of dealing with the arsenic problem so that the water could be released into the environment on a periodic basis. E.A.G. (Environmental Assessment Group) a Toronto based company was contracted by Hellens-Eplett to solve this problem.

Since significant amounts of new silver reserves had not yet been discovered and due to low silver prices, a decision was made, in June of 1988 to shut down operations, at least until the price of silver significantly improved. A basic clean up of the mill, excluding the liners of the ball mill was done during the first week of July, The mill workers were then laid off. Underground work continued up to the first week in October, Mr, Richard LaPrairie submitted his resignations September 27 effective October 7 in order to leave for another job. George Hill took over as acting mine manager at this time and pumping continued into November when a decision was made to allow the mine to flood, Miscellaneous equipment was sold from the site, An inventory list and list of equipment sold is in the mine manager's files, Mr, Bill Praskey and Mr. George Hill were kept on staff until January 1989 to finish shut down work on site,

In September and October of 1989, 2806 tons of stockpiled ore were shipped to Agnico Eagle's Penn Mill. Concentrates were screened and assayed by Temiskaming Testing Laboratories and refining was done by Temiskaraing Testing Laboratories, Agnico Eagle Mines Ltd and Johnson Matthey. Final production recorded was 65,891 ounces of silver in this shipment,

GENERAL GEOLOGY

The Cobalt area is situated in the Superior province of the Canadian Precambrian shield {Map 1). The oldest rocks in the area are steeply dipping supracrustal metamorphosed felsic to mafic volcanics with lesser metasedimentary greywackes and argillites intruded by stocks and batholiths of granitic rocks all of Early Precambrian age. These rocks are unconformably overlain on undulating surfaces by flat lying Middle Precambrian sedimentary rocks (Gowganda and Lorrain Formations). These latter rocks are situated in NNW trending grabens. Nipissing diabase sills up to 1,000 feet thick have intruded the pre existing rocks. Outliers of Paleozoic limestone and sandstone also sporadically occur within the grabens unconformably overlying the Precambrian rocks. The Quaternary Wisconsin alaciation left thin deposits of sand, gravel and till which is covered in low lying areas by partially marine post glacial varved silt and clay deposits up to 100 feet thick. Lake Barlow- Ojibway is responsible for bare wave washed outcrops in high areas.


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PROPERTY GEOLOGY

A schematic east-west general geological section of the property demonstrates the juxtaposition of the major rock units in the region across the Mackenzie graben {Figure 2), The Early Precambrian metavolcanic rocks on the property trend NNE and dip approximately SO 0 east. These rocks are overlain by greywacke, argillite and conglomerate of the Coleman Member of the Gowganda Formation. The Nipissing diabase sill forms a capping 50 - 250 feet thick on the Coleman sedimentary rocks. In the southeastern corner of the property the diabase sill plunges through the epi- Archean unconformity and the Early Precambrian rocks form a large roof pendant on the diabase to the south of the property.

The volcanic rocks appear to be dominantly intermediate in composition. The rhyolite accumulations appear to thicken to the south.

MINERALIZATION

Quite spectacular vertical silver-cobalt arsenide-calcite veins occur within the conglomerate and sometimes extend downward through the unconformity near the northeast corner of the property.

Five silver bearing veins and vein systems have been outlined to date. The veins are up to 450 feet long strike NNE and have 170 feet of vertical continuity. Each vein comprises calcite, native silver, complex sulfarsenide minerals containing variable cobalt, nickel, arsenic, copper, iron and sulfur; other bismuth, lead, zinc, antimony, copper and silver minerals. The main ore mineral is native silver, but over seven silver bearing minerals are recovered.

The veins are commonly one to two inches thick, but vary from a fraction of an inch to over one foot in thickness. Silver mineralization occurs in the veins, in gash veins crossing the veins and disseminated in a narrow one to two and one half foot zone on either side of the vein. The veins are frequently offset, bifurcated or discontinuous with parallel veins developed along the vein system. For instance, Vein 4 is now known to comprise over 20 individual veinlets.


Page 12... MAP l

2 K ILOMETRES International Platinum Corp. COBALT SILVER PROPERTY

Northeastern Ontario

Diabase

LLJ Conglomerate

13 Volcanic Rocks OH Silver-bearing veins

Cobalt Silver Mining Camp

5000 ltd

Hellens-Eplett Mining Inc.

General Geology Cobalt Area

1000 laol -

August 1988 Map No.: 1

West Eftt

4 4 444 444 4444 44444444

4" 4 4 4 44444 44444

4. 4 4 4 4 44 4 444

4444-44

ovb

x x x x x x x x

i.-.

Legendoverburden

diabase

conglomerate

-f 4 ' andesite , rhyolite porphyryj. -t- ±

Hellens-Eplett Mining Inc. North Cobalt, OntarioN.T.S. 31M/5

E-W General Geology Section of Property

Dote: August I988 Approved by: J.R.T. Figure


Page 14,

General Description of the Landscape

Most of the northern half of the Hellens-Eplett property is fairly flat, cleared farmland. Overburden is generally 60 to 80 ft. deep-deepening toward the west to about 150 ft. The overburden is composed of a soil layer 2-3 ft. thick overlying varved clays usually about 15 to 25 ft. thick. A clay till extends from the bottom of the clay layer to a thin layer of gravel, usually less than l ft. thick which covers the bedrock. The gravel is absent in some areas. The overburden layer thins to the west and southeast where low hills and ridges border the farmland.

The northern most claim and partial claim, where the ramp portal and mine buildings are located, are centred around a diabase hill. The hill has thin soil or outcrop cover in most places and is wooded away from the mine area. Aspen, spruce, fir, Jack pine, and balsam compose most of the forest cover on the property.

A ridge extends along the western edge of the property. It is wooded with conifers dominant at the higher elevations and deciduous trees more common along the edge of the ridge. Outcrop is common along the length of the ridge.

Slate Creek extends east-west from the eastern property boundary for about two thirds of the way across the middle of the property, following the surface trace of the fault of the same name. Where the creek encounters the Mackenzie fault it turns sharply to the south following the surface trace of that fault along the base of the western ridge and off the property. Drainage on this creek is from south to north and from west to east.

A low wooded hill occupies the central eastern portion of the property, tapering down to relatively flat somewhat swampy ground to the south. The hill is wooded dominantly with conifers. The forest to the south is a mixture of conifers and deciduous trees. Outcrop is common on the hill but overburden thickens to the south attaining a depth of 60 to 100 ft.

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PROGRAMME

Scope

The Directors of Hellene Eplett are interested in rendering the tailings ponds on the property environmentally neutral for several years while silver prices are depressed. It is desirable to be able to allow free flow though the pond basin without a prohibitive monitoring schedule for the intermediate period and the Company is working towards this objective.

In order to do this it has been necessary to monitor results at each stage: prior to operation, during operation of the mine and mill, during discharge of the ponds before treatment, prior to treatment, after treatment and during discharge of the treated effluent. The main effort being reported at this time is the actual treatment of the upper tailings pond, its discharge into Slate Creek and the pumping of the Lower pond into the upper pond. These stages, water quality monitoring and hydrological parameters, are discussed herein.

The original intent was to complete batch treatment and discharge of the upper pond, pump and treat effluent from the lower pond into the upper pond, allow treated effluent to decant back into the lower pond and then into Slate Creek all with appropriate MOE approvals and monitoring by the company. The tailings were then to be heaped and covered with clay then seeded. Hellens Eplett has also applied to breach the tailings dams to allow free drainage after treatment.

Due to freezing weather during November and December it was decided to defer further work once the upper pond had been drained down 5 feet and the level in the lower pond had been reduced by pumping this pond back into the upper pond.

Upper Pond Treatment

The upper pond currently has a measured surface area of 101,000 ft and a capacity to hold 4,990,000 gallons (Imp) of effluent. The lower clear water pond has a capacity to hold 3,125,999 gal.

Recent analyses of untreated effluent in the upper pond averaged 2.577 mg/litre As. but one of the samples taken in 1989 returned 10.8 mg. per litre As. This yields an estimated arsenic content of 2.577 mg/litre x 4.99 x 10 gal. x 4.55 litres/gal * 58.51 kg (128.72 Ibs). The higher analysis would yield an estimated arsenic content of 539.46 Ibs.

Prescribed iron dosing in the form of ferrie sulphate (Fe2(S04) 3 is on a three to one mole ratio of iron to arsenic in order to remove arsenic through iron hydroxide flocculation and settling. The resulting iron requirement is 3x55.85 x 128.72 = 2 87.87 Ibs.

74.92


Page 16...

or on the higher analysis 1206.43 Ibs. The process information is contained in Appendix C.

Eaglebrook Environmental through the Cobalt Refinery Limited and Mr. Frank Basa supervised the addition of iron sulphate to the upper pond on Nov. 9, 1990 after Mr. F. Basa and the writer broke 2 and 3 inch surface layers of ice on Nov. 8 and 9. Sixteen drums of ferrie sulphate containing 720 gallons at a density of 1.550 and 12. 2* Fe were added to the upper pond over a period of 5 to 6 hours. The chemical was fed by siphon to the water near the transom of an aluminum boat which was powered by a 7.5 HP engine. The agitation and mixing was facilitated by the propeller. The pond was traversed severally in each sector to distribute the chemical as uniformly as possible.

Calculated iron addition was 1372 Ibs.

Drainage of Upper Tailings,.Pond

The outflow was monitored daily using a stop watch and a pail to measure flow rates and secondly by measuring the reduction in pond level. The former method proved inaccurate since the pipe outlet had to be raised to (reducing the head and the flow rate by 5 - 10&) place the pail, the pail filled too quickly to affect reliable calibration and there was significant spillage.

The theoretical flow rate has been calculated using the formula for flow in short pipes

q a 0.7854

q ^ f low rate in cubic feet per secondd" = diameter in feet {in this case 3" or 0.25 ft)g s acceleration due to gravity or 32 feet/sech = head in feetf ~ coefficient of friction {.02 for smooth pipe)l = l ength of pipe in feet

The initial head at the commencement of flow was 8 feet on Nov. 16 with the pipe length being 160 feet. Initially 3 pipes were used but one of the pipes froze on Nov. 19 and another on Nov. 24. As the pond level was reduced each day the head decreased by the corresponding amount. However when the first pipe froze it was cannibalized to extend the other two lines increasing the vertical drop of the remaining lines by one and a half feet.

Example Calculation:

average head 7.92' (eg average for first 16 hours)

TABLE 2 HELLENS EPLETT:

TimeInterval

5pm Nov.9am Nov.

9am Nov .9am Nov.

9am Nov.7am Nov.

7am Nov.7am Nov

7am Nov.7am Nov.

7am Nov .7am Nov .

7am Nov.7am Nov.

7am Nov.9am Nov.

9am Nov.9am Nov.

9am Nov.7am Nov.

7am Nov.2pm Nov.

1617

1718

1819

1920

2021

2122

2223

2324

2425

2526

2627

ElapsedTime

16 hr

24hr

22hr

24hr

24hr

24 hr

24 hr

26 hr

24 hr

22 hr

31 hr

MeasuredFlow Rategal/min

180 (3 lines)

180 (3)

150 (2.5)

120 (2)

120 (2)

120 (2)

120 (2)

90 (1.5)

60 (1)

60 (1)

60 (1)

MeasuredSurfaceArea ft

101,000

101,000

95,000

90,000

86,000

82,000

82,000

82,000

82,000

82,000

82,000

1

DRAINAGE

MeasuredFlow

Volume(gals)

172,800

259,200

198,000

172,800

172,800

172,800

172,800

140,400

86,400

79.2OO

111,600

.738,800

OF TREATED EFFLUENT FROM

TheoreticalFlowRategal/min

327

298

232

193

182

170

160

157

78

77

76

TheoreticalFlow

Volume(gals)

314,000

429,100

306,200

227,900

262,100

244,800

230,400

244,900

112,300

101 ,600

141,400

2,664,700

PRIMARY (UPPER) TAILINGS POND

MeasuredDrop inPondLevel (ft)

0.17

0.58

1.083

1.0

0.417

0.917

0.17

0.17

nil

0.17

nil

CumulativeDrop InPondLevel (ft)

0.17

0.75

1.83

2.83

3.25

4.17

4.33

4.50

4.50

4.67

4.67

Reductionin PondVolume

105,000

367,600

642,200

561,600

223,600

469,000

85,300

85,300

_

85,300

^^ T3 tatt)(D

t-*

Cumulative *Reduction 'in PondVolume

105,000

472,700

1,114,900

1,676,500

1,900,100

2,369,100

2,454,400

2,593,700

2,539,700

2,625,000

2,625,000

l l l l l l l l l l l ll

l l l l l

i H

Page 18...

therefore q - 0 .7845 x .25 2 X 32 x 7.92 1.5 H- 0.02x160

0.25

" .29225 cuft/se " 1.8236 gal/sec - 1 09 gal/minute for l line (327 for 3 lines)

Measured volume by the pail and stopwatch was 1,738,900 gals over eleven days whereas the theoretical flow volume is 2,664,700 gals and the reduction in effluent volume in the upper pond 2,625,000 gals. The latter two figures are within 1.5 per cent and are probably closer to reality than the result achieved with pail and stop watch. The effluent monitoring record is set out in Table 4.

J


Page 19...

Water Quality Monitoring

After April, 1988 when the first discharge occurred from the decant tower into Slate Creek it became evident that both the effluent build up rate and the arsenic concentrations were going to be larger than estimated originally by the company consultants Dennis Netherton and Associates and the Environmental Applications Group. In fact both the effluent standard of 0.5 mg/litre As and the clearwater standard of 0.1 mg/litre As were exceeded in June 1988. A continuous record of analyses has been kept during the short term of the mill's operation (output of 4500 tons of tailings) and since. Copies of assay certificates are contained in Appendix A. Table 3 shows arsenic analyses in five sample sites from April 1988 to present. For those samples taken before treatment it is apparent that an arsenic build up occurs in the ponds over time and progressively during the warmer period of the year. Samples taken in the Spring, often close to the ice appear to have lower arsenic concentrations although the reasons for this pattern are not clear.

The management of Hellens Eplett wish to bring the tailings area to an environmentally passive state for minor cost and have proposed that the ponds be treated to precipitate arsenic, the ponds drained, the tailings immobilized and spillways placed in the dams to enable continuous draining with a chemical monitoring program. The Ministry of Environment has so far only approved batch treatment and discharge of tailings. This authorization is given in Certificate of Approval No. 4-0036-85-877 as amended Oct. 31, 1990 a precis of which is attached as Appendix B.

Due to concerns of breaching of the nearly full ponds in the Fall of 1990 emergency approval was obtained from Ministry of Environment to treat the tailings ponds with ferrie sulphate and, after settling, drain these into Slate Creek with each step being documented by the Company and subject to approval by the Ministry.

Treatment of the upper primary pond was conducted on Nov. 9, 1990 and the drainage was approved on Nov. 16, 1990 by Wayne Marshall and commenced on that date. Arsenic content of the discharge was monitored daily from Nov. 17 through Nov. 25 and composite samples were taken of the discharge and downstream on Slate Creek for several parameters as outlined with the applicable standards in Tables 4 and 5. All parameters in the discharge are within limits except the total suspended solids at 100 mg/litre. The only parameter in excess of the standard at the downstream collection point was iron, however the baseline analyses taken in May 1990 upstream and downstream show similar levels of iron.

The treatment and discharge appear to have been conducted within acceptable limits.

TABLE 3 ARSENIC MONITORING PROGRAMME

SLATE CREEK UPSTREAM

DATE

Sept. 11, 1984 BaselineDischarge Apr 12-19/88June 7/88 0.004Discharge June 23/88 <0.002Discharge July 18/88August 9/88 0.003August 18/88 0.04August 26/88 0.003Oct. 5/88 2.36July 5/89NOV./89April 27/90 pumpingMay 10/90Oct. 17/90Oct. 31/90Nov. 9 before treatmentTreatment Fe 2 { 804)3Nov. 9 treatment (upper pond)Nov. 12 F Basa sampleNov. 12 J. Trusler Sample(average of 2F)

Nov. 12 J. Trusler Sample Nov. 13 composite Nov. 13 @ e'1 Nov. 13 grabdecanting Upoer Pond

Nov.17 Nov. 18 Nov. 19 Nov. 20 Nov. 21 Nov. 22 Nov. 23 Nov. 24 Nov. 25Nov. 28 - decanting completed Nov. 30

SLATE CREEK DOWNSTREAM

i SESS ss s: ss ss s as s s s

•c. 013.331.83

0.6670.0561.480.005

0.0560.0240.058.0112

MINEWATER DISC.

2.05

270023

1.36

0.01

DISCHARGE UPPER POND

2.66

3.O72.804.133.293.410.80.090.0182.7462.4085.5

4.1710.089

0.00750.350.0200.035

0.0450.0600.0800.4800.2400.750.330.140.240.260.100.49

LOWER POND DECANT TWR.

0.0123.333.28

4.604.404.974.797.511.01.73.655.0414.816

7.795

7.4

LABORATORY

-oQ) (O tD

N) O

6.3

TSLXRAL : XRAL XRAL

XRAL XRAL XRAL

XRALXRALSWASTIKASWASTIKAACCURASSAYACCURASSAYCOBALT REFINERY

ACCURASSAY ACCURASSAY

ACCURASSAY COBALT REFINERY COBALT COBALT

COBALT COBALT COBALT COBALT COBALT COBALT COBALT COBALT COBALT COBALT COBLAT COBALT/XRAL

•oO) IQ (D

ro

PARAMETERS(ing/litre)

PHAlkalinity (mg.CaCO 37DConnductivity (umhos/cm)SulphateTotal Suspended SolidsTotal Phosphorus (if totaldischarge MO Ibs/day)Ammonia Nitrogen (asN)ArsenicCadmiumCopperIronLeadMercuryNickelZinc5 day Biochemical OxygenDemand

Oils St greases of Vegetable,Animal or Mineral Origin Total Concentration CombinedCopper, Zinc and Nickel Phenols

5.50 -

15

l100.50.001lll0.001ll

15

15

l 0.02

EFFLUENT

STANDARD')

.6

MONITORING PROGRAMME

PRIOR TOTREATMENT

7.6712445026.7•C5

1.29*:.0152.408•CO. 002•CO. 0100.092•CO. 0200.00171•CO. 010'CO.OIO

AFTERTREATMENTPRIOR TO DISCHARGE

NOV

7.13/ 6.404651071.23

0.0250.150.007/0.020N/DN/D2—N/DN/DN/D

COMPOSITE SAMPLECOLLECTED FROMDISCHARGE.17-23

6.474

2600100

.040^.02.4N/D0.4ppm0.2N/D*:0.0001N/DN/D

^.03 N/D

•CI

0.4 N/D

-oCu LQ O)

ro

TABLE 5MONITORING PROGRAMME SLATE CREEK DOWNSTREAM

PARAMETERS WATER QUALITYSTANDARD(mg/litre)

SAMPLE MAY 7, 1990 PRIOR TO TREATMENT St DISCHARGE

Upstream Downstream

COMPOSITE SAMPLE COLLECTED NOV. 17-23 DOWNSTREAM

NOV. 17 - 23

pH 6.5-8.5Alkalinity (mg.CaC0 3XL)Conductivity (umhos/cm)SulphateTotal Suspended SolidsTotal Phosphorus 0.02Ammonia Nitrogen (asN) lArsenic 0.1Cadmium 0.0002Copper 0.005Iron 0.3LeadMercury 0.0002Nickel 0.025Zinc 0.03Chromium 0.1Selenium 0.1Silver 0.0001Phenols O.001Biochemical Oxygen Demand

6.551615216.433.19*C0.010.450.015

0.010.960.02•CO.001^.010.01

7.062615919.122.190.040.71•CO. 001

0.010.900.02•CO. 001•:0.01

7.248

28003000.006•CO. 020.01N/DN/D1.1N/D•CO. 0001N/D

0.01


Page 23...

Discussion Hydrology and Arsenic Levels

Table 6 shows rainfall and runoff data for the Slate Creek watershed for 1987 when 433,000,000 gallons are estimated to have comprised the runoff. The capacity of both ponds in Hellens Eplett totals 8,115,000 gallons representing 1.8745K of the runoff. The rate of build up in the effluent in the Hellens Eplett ponds appears to average between 2 and 2.5 million gallons per annum.

Using a concentration of Smg/litre for the lower pond the total contained arsenic would be 113.75kg. Combined with an estimate for the upper pond at 2.6 mg/litre (38.51 kg) the total arsenic would be 152.26 kg. If this effluent were rationed into Slate Creek the resulting concentration would be 0.086 mg/litre arsenic - within the MOE water quality standards. The build up rate of

effluent is only one quarter of the volume of the ponds per year so that a good argument can be made to allow free flow of the runoff through the ponds especially if more of the arsenic in the tailings can be immobilized.

With the results of treatment and discharge and knowledge of quantities involved a more reasonable management scheme will be formulated.

CONCLUSIONS

A programme of tailings treatment discharge and environmental monitoring was carried out during November 991 at the Hellens Eplett Mine property. Arsenic content was successfully reduced in the effluent from 2.57 mg/litre to less than 0.5 mg/litre. During drainage the effluent was monitored daily for arsenic and the effluent and receiving stream were monitored weekly for a variety of parameters all of which are within Ministry of Environment standards except for iron which is also elevated upstream.

Approximately 2,665,000 gallon was discharged through 3 inch pipe into a ditch leading into Slate Creek over an eleven day period. Over 2,000,000 gallons of treated effluent and 3,000,000 gallons of untreated effluent will have to be handled in 1991 since the freezing conditions made operations inefficient in November/ December. It is then planned" to heap and cover the tailings with clay and seek the area.

It is proposed that the dams be breached after this for free flow of run off. This approach is supported by the known hydrological characteristics of the Slate Creek watershed and arsenic concentrations in the receiving stream would be well below Ministry of Environment objectives.

l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l lll

Page 24...

TABLE 6

WATERBHEAD STATISTICS FOR SLATE CREEKRAINFALL.WATERSHED AREA 1.88 MILES SQ.

MONTH Jan- Fob--- Mar-- Apr™ May- Jun- Jul-- Aug- 8ep- Qct- Nov- Dec-

878787878787878787878787

AVERAGE RAINFALL

MM 46. l 34.2 44. 6 43.6 55. 3 90.3 84. 4 79.5 95.5 71 . 8 58.9 44.7

AVERAGERAINFALL

INCHESJ. .81 l. 35 l . 761. 722. 18 3.56 3.32 3. 13 3. 76 2.83 2.32 l . 76

"29748

TOTAL GALLONS/MONTH59,294,34243,988,42757,365,02556,078,81471,127,486116,144,883108,556,236102,253,800122,833,18292,349,97375,757,84757,493,646

RUNOFF DAYS/MO 45X

*'" 26 , 682 , 454 Hi. 1 9,794,792 ^o 25,814,261 l//* 25 , 235 , 466•)f, 32 , 007 , 369 \iVo52,265, 197 ^ 48,850,306 ' 1 '' 4 46,014,210 \M 55,274,932 ^^41,557,488 f'('34, 091 ,031 (s'/o 25,872 , 141

f33/^ m

312831303030313130313031

AVE

GPM598491578584741

1210109410311280931789580826

APPENDIX A

llll

l

D

~ 2 -

Tailings Pond Discharge April 12

.M pH 7.76II Alkalinity (as mgCaCOs/L) 115' Conductivity (umhos/cm) 410

Sulphate 31

II Total Suspended Solids - 42B Total Phosphorus 0,32

Ammonia Nitrogen (as M) 2.9

I m Arsenic .;;O.Q12l Cadmium "CO. 0005

Copper 0.02

I Iron 2.63Lead ^.020Mercury 0.0001Nickel 0.06

li Zinc 0.02

Results, except for pH, are expressed as mg/L unless othervise noted.

l

l

l

l

l

l

l

l

l

PRL-2-

ttfl l

Sample

A (Downstream) B (Tailings Pond) C (Upstream)

Cu Cd Pb Fe Ni Zn

0.0460.0150.012

^.0050. 005^.005

0.002^.002^.002

4.250.050.50

0,020.01^.01

0.050.030.02

Sample

A B C

As Conductivity

3.333.330.004

^.0001^.0001^.0001

7.747.83 .v7.44

580.•' . 582.

340.

Sample

A B C

Alkalinity T.S.S. SO

144.146.164.

52.0.5

16.

51.649.0

1.5

NH-i-N TP

1.071.17^.02

Results are expressed as mg/L except pH and Conductivity. Conductivity is expressed as umhos/cm @ "250C and Alkalinity is mg/L as CaCo3.

l JUL 2B ' 88 16:22 HELLEI--IS EPLETT

IRL

11111111111111111

^ \jn "*-

- 3

**^p*i ^ * f

#

D E Upstream on Slate Creek Downstream on S

pH Alkalinity(as CaCOs)Conductivity (ujmhos/cm)Total Suspended Solids Total PhosphorusSulphateAmaonia(as N) ArsenicCadmiumCopper Lead IronMercuryNickel Zinc

Results are expressed

- ' . .. , .

-

7.67 106206

7 0.01a

0.04 O,0020. 0010.010 O.002

0.410. 0001

0.02 0.01

as mg/L unless

' f:

7.71 132398

3 0.58

220.06 1.83

^.0010.010 ^.002 0.48

^.00010.02 0.03

otherwise noted.

"

-.

#3451

#3451

ABMain Discharge Primary Pond to

PiPe Secondary PondTailings Pond

Discharge

PRAlkalinity(as CaC03)ConductivityCurahos/cra)Total Suspended SolidsTotal PhosphorusSulphateAmnjonia

Cadmium

Iron

Nickel Zinc

7,4812355517

0.6349

1.362,05

^.0010.0100.0041.30

^.00010.030.03

7.80132542

90.8444

o. 522.66

^.0010.0100.0030.61

^.00010.030.02

8.02134510

i1.05*42

0.503.28

^.0010.0080.0020.16

^.00010.020.03

Results are expressed as rag/L unless otherwise noted.

ll/*" ll l lt t t t fp pl l l l l

pHConductivity (umhos/cra)Alkalinity (as CaCC^)Total Suspended SolidsTotal PhosphorusAmmonia NitrogenSulphateArsenicCadmiumCopperIronLeadMercuryNickelZinc

pHConductivity (umhos/cm)Alkalinity (as CaC03 )Total Suspended SolidsTotal PhosphorusAmmonia NitrogenSulphateArsenicCadmiumCopperIronLeadMercuryNickelZinc

Mine Water Discharge August 9, 1988

8.05 665. 200. 100.0.506.5

66.1.27 ^.0020.1356.710.0340.00010.100.07

DUpstream

August 9. 1988

6.97 188. 77.7.0.060.15

16.0.003 ^.0020.0040.45 ^.002 ^.0001 ^.010.01

BPrimary Pond

August 9. 1988

7.91 540. 150. 11.0.850.62

51..3,07

X0.0020.0040.350.016 ^.00010.030.03

Decant Tower August 9, 1988

8.02516.150.

Downstream August 9. 1988

7.57 233. 95.8.0.320.10

20.0.667 ^.0020.0090.410.003

0.01

Results are expressed as mg/L unless otherwise noted.

211

10.

46.4.6 ^.0020.0130.09

^.0001 0.01 0.04

l

l

l

l

l

l

l

l

l

l

l

l

l

l

l

-2-

A B CMine Water Primary Pond Decant TowerDischarge Discharge Pipe Discharge

pH 8.05 7.85 8.17Conductivity (umhos/cm) 635. 522. 495.Alkalinity (as CaC03 ) 200. 139. 139.TSS 25. 6. V ,S04 64. 48. 47.NH3-N 7.00 0.75 0.11Phosphorus 0.40 0.83 1.21Arsenic 1.00 2.80 4.40Cadmium 0.0015 0.0240 0.0240Copper 0.016 0.038 ^.002Iron 1.95 0.79 0.17Lead 0.020 0.009 0.002Mercury ^.0001 ^.0001 ^.0001Nickel 0.04 0.02 0.02Zinc O.Ol 0.02 0.03

Results, except for pH and conductivity, are expressed as mg/L.

D EUpstream Downstream

on Slate Creek of Discharge

pH 7.89 7.82Conductivity (umhos/cm) 188. 222.Alkalinity (as CaC03 ) 97. 92.TSS 46. 3.S04 10. 14.NH3-N 0.10 0.05Phosphorus 0.06 0.31Arsenic 0.004 0.560Cadmium ^.0005 ^.0005Copper 0.004 ^.002Iron 1.15 0.63Lead *C0.002 ^.002Mercury ^.0001 ^.0001Nickel 0.02 ^.01Zinc 0.05 0.03

Results, except for pH and conductivity, are expressed as mg/L.

L(•kalinity (as CaCO3)

Conductivity (umhos/cra) ••tal Suspended Solids (pphate

nonia (as N) total Phosphorus "isenic pdmiura (opper

Ion lad

Krcury ckel ne

t

kJ.kalinity (as CaC03) Conductivity (umhos/cm)•jotal Suspended Solids•nlphate ^oraonia (as N)

Ktal Phosphorus senic dmiura

*pper on ad

^ercury Nickel

•inc

/rf-2-

Mine Water Discharge

8.44184.590.^.67.1.490.461.230.0005 ^.0020.790.005 ^.00010.050.03

Slate Creek Upstream

7.6872.

155.13.10.•:0.02 0.01 0.003 0.0005

•CO.002 0.50 0.004

•CO.OOOl 0.02 0.04

Primary Pond Discharge

8.24 132. 510.

8. 53.0.201.684.130.0005

^..002.0.370.0200.00010.040.02

Slate Creek Downstream

7.50 102. 305.

3. 21. 0.06 0.65 1.48 0.0005

•CO. 0020.70 ^.002

0.050.04

Decant Tower Discharge

8.38136.510.

51.0.131.924.97

^.0005*CO.0020.09

^.002*C0.0001

0.03 <0.01

l l l l

Results are expressed as ug/mL unless otherwise noted,

r tee i ft

LH&";. '.Jit. UJf-Ji^J.

/l L

Pt

PHConductivity (umhos/cnOAlkalinity (asTSS

KH3-NPhosphorusArsenicCadmiumCopperIronLeadMercuryNickelZinc

pHConductivity (umhos/cm)Alkalinity (asTSSS04

PhosphorusArsenicCadraiurcCopperIronLead -MercuryNickelZinc

AMine WaterDischarge

7.81715.200.

6.73.9.850.501.360.0010..0,0161.200.0120,00010.100,09

CDecant Tower Discharge on

8,10515.140.V.49.0.101.424.790.00050.0030,110. 0020.00010.010,03

D

BPrimary Pond

Discharge Pipe

7.96545.140.17,53,0.081.123.290. 00050,0071.150.0020,00010,030. 01

EUpstream Downscreaa Slate Creek of Discharge

7.19150.98,10.28.0,200.102.36*0.00100.0101,270. 0020, 00010. 010. 01

7.29151.04.8.9.0.200.040.005*0. 00050.0040.950. 0020. 00010. 01O.01

Results ore expressed as ug/ral unless otherwise noted.

- These saoples were re-analysed and the results'confirmed.

IKRALl l l l l I l I l l l l l l l l l l

-a-

So l ut ions ft

AsCuNiFeZnCdPbHgPHConductivityfllkalinityTSSS04NH3TP

3.40,(0.01,

(0.02,

0.04,

(0. 002,

(0. 002,

3.35(0.01

(0.02

0.02

(0. 002

(0.002

0. 0002

7.702308716190.31. 12

3.(0.

(0.

(l (0.(0.

(0.

0.7.

250 103

7 Id0.0.

4001

02

02002

002

0001

91

496

c

7.50(0.01

(0.02(0. 002

(0. 0020. 000E'

7.41400

128 l

3B (0.2 4. 2

Results are expressed as mg/L (ppm) Except: PH, Conductivity * urahos/cm

Alkalinity as CaC03.

XRAL ENVIRONMENTAL 1903 Leslie Street Don Mills Ontario M3B 3J4 (416)445-6809 Fax {416)445-4162 Tlx 06-986947Member of the SGS Group (Societ* GlneYale de Surveillance)

l BY: XEROX TELECOPIER 7010 ; 1-11-90 4:06PM ; 4163664296-*

-ll--5'0 THU l T : l l H E l-L. E M S M ANAGEMENT LTD

Lower Before Pond ftfter South Before

4165934766; H 3p . e s

R.M

1ftpff tt14

t1•v--.;."- -—^r^

tiiii

ftrsenic H.O 0.90 10.8

Copper 0.01 (0,01 0,01

Nickel 0-03 0.03 0.02

Iron (1 (i U

Zinc 0.01 0.01 (0.01

Cadmium (O.OS (0.02 - . . (0.02

"Lead""' ———— """('6.155 (0.05 ' ' (0,05

Mercury 0.0034 0.0017 0.0074

pH 7.96 7,S8 7.79

Conductivity (uhmos/CB) 300 310 290

alkalinity 115 87 118

Sulphate 44 88 39

Tot. Susp,Solids (2 S (2

Ammonia (as N) 0.S (2 (0.2t

Phosphorus 3.4 0,20 4.8

Results are expressed as tag/L except for pH and conductivity.

0.60

(0,01

0.03

1

(0.01

(0.02

" (0.05 '

0.0049

7.3S

SOS

87

89

2

(0.2

0.35

*

lllllllllllll

; MM

l l l l l

--s

Established 1928

Assay Certificate

S\vastika LaboratoriesA Division of Assayers Corporation Ud.

Assaying - Consulting - Representation

International Platinum CorpHellens Eplett Mining Inc J. Trusler

OW-0545-WA1

Date,: APR-27-90Copy l. Toronto, Ontario

2. fax to 416-593-4766

We hereby certify the following Assay of 2 water samples samples submitted APR-23-90 by B. Leonard.

Sarople As PBM Nurcber or mg/ i

D. Pond 0.09

Certified by,G. Lebel / Manager

P.O. Box 10, Swastika, Ontario POK1TO Telephone (705) 642-3244. FAX (705)042-3300

** TOTflL PftQE.03 **

d : i b bWHtol lKH LHB

SxVastika LaboratCriesA Division of Assayere Corporation Ltd.


. Uc

1111111111111111

•-r 01111/1 IKM'W i*^*V

Assay CertificateCompany: lilt. Platinum Corp DaFrnjwrt: HclletlS Eplett Mining Corp Cbpy 1. Toronto, OntarioMn: J, Trusler 2. fax to 4 16-593-4766

We hereby certify the following Assay of 5 water samples submitted MAY-07-90 by B.Uonard,

Sample Cu Fe Nl Pb ZnNumber ing/1 mg/1 mg/1 mg/1 mg/1Upper Pond 0.01 0.91 0.01 0.02 0.02Lower Pond 0.02 0.17 0.01 0.06 0.01Upstream 0,01 0.96 ^.01 0.02 0.01Downstream 0.01 0.90 ^.01 0.02 0.01 Ous Charpent ier **

'

*

**As to follow on sample Gus Charpentier si

s! tJhCertified by ^/\f ' UM

' 1G, Lebel / Manager \

P.O. Box 10, Swastika, Ontario POK 1TO

OW-0603-WAI

M: MAY'10-90

pH susp.sol ids

6,30 22,768.42 4.386.55 33.197.06 22.19

1

Telephone (705)642-3244. FAX (705)642-3300

11Mf***

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I

iiiiiiillii^•^•^ma

• NOU 7 '90

^f^W

il\ *-t3W5^fc^^

Fei n lil Itilt uH 1.''l iU M II*| 1 v*-l 1

OrHflcateNo

Submitted bvpro j ([/lift 1 Ipn 1

SAMPLE NO.

U. PondI.. PondUpstreamDownstream

SAMPLE NO.

U. Pond .L. PondUpstreamDownstream

SAMPLE NO.

GusCharpentier

feW

9:21 SUflSTIKft LAB PRGE . Q 1

Swastika LaboraCbriesA Division of Afisayers Coi-porfttlon 14(1.


(ttpritfiratr nf Aitali|ni0OW-06Q3-WA1 nniP MaX 1 6 * l 990

7, 1990 5 water samples

International Platinum Corporation, Toronto, Ontarios Eplett Mining Corp. samples per: B. Leonard

MERCURY

mg/1(0.001(0.001

(0.001

(0.001

ARSENIC NITROGEN ALKALINITY TOTAL(Ammonia) as CaC03 PHOSPHATES

mg/1 mg/1 mg/1 mg/10.081 0,66 41 0.063.65 0.73 48 (0.010.015 0.45 16 (0.01(0.001 0.71 26 0.04

SULPHATE CONDUCTANCEmg/138.459.016.419,1

ARSENICmg/1

0,001

niicromhus mg/125132215?159

ri . . if*S l I/ H I '

y7 jlnJ''

tCUSTOMER NAME RESULTS SENT TO: J P.O. * :

W.O. *DATE RECEIVED:SAMPLl DATE :

1QO'^ \

ANALYSIS

; 500

QCS OBTAINED

J?l8JL.'9-7

" QCS EXPECTED

3.00O.0015O

0,012* 0*

tALL RESULTS EXPRESSED AS MG PER LITRS UNLESS OTHERWISE STATED

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^v j \ —' ^ ; vx ..JÎ^^^ â^ÛA aaAJ

flHP Hv BBP HIV ^^V ^^B ^^B ^^W ^^W ^^v ^^* ^^* ^^*

CUSTOHER NAME RESULTS SENT TO: Mil RECEIVED

SAJfPtl DAT* i0c*r

ANALYSIS REQUIRED

p/y6

tl

t

^ \,

s

l•w*

l***4

r i

QCS l QCSOBTAINED:EXPECTED

*

LL S

••-: t'

• a'*!'ALI RESULTS EXPRESSED AS H8 PEB UTM UKLESS OTHERWISE STATE*

* ...


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d l?di*i fcv /S/

/u^4Js

MOV — 2 S — -BUS) W EE 10:15 HEL-UENS MANAGEMENT LTD. P. 02

ACCURASSAY LABORATORIES LTD.P.O. BOX 426

KIRKLAND LAKE, ONTARIO, CANADA P2N 3J1 TEL.: (705) 567-3361

President: Or, GEORGE DUNCAN, M.SC., PH. o., c. Chom IOM.I, c. chom (U.K.), M.C.I.C., M.R.S.C,, A.B.C.SJ.

Certificate of Analysis' Paget l

l He l lens Bplett Kining l no, Date: Hovenber^ 16_____ 1 9 ___ 90 " 0,7001 Suite 1101J ' O JJ-10 Kiag St. E

I Toronto, Ontario K5C 1C3 Vork Order * J B900768A

Date received! 90,11.12 m Sanple Date : 00.11.12

— Conduotiv- Aaaonial Arsenic pH (unite) ity (uS/ca (KH3-H) Sulphate•——*——. ———— ——————————,~^,———————^—————w^,———————— *^- ———————————— .w.....————-w———————— ———— ———-W———————— —— W.—————.———— ~-

gaaple A o***/ ^v1 ^ 7-795

Sanple D 6*^- u^t,r^ou( 4,171 .™ - ,~ aple B (filtered)Tr^/*.:/ 0,007 7,13 510 0,15 71,2"OBTAIHBD W*" 0 ,041 - 147 1.02 19,3EXPECTED 0.040 - 147 1,00 20,0

Ate t All results expressed In mg per litre unless otherwise noted,

l l l l l l lIIMO ^^^^^^ Per;

ORIGINAL

l — — -3 l WEB 16:23: C oba. R e- •f' i n * r P .111111

.

t

TEN

'

'

NY RESEARCHc/o Alfred M. Tenny l

CANADAk Associates

RRttl Refinery Road ', . Cobalt, Ontario

POJ ICOTelephone i (705) 679-t5Sa

INC.

i

Fax J (705) 679-5941

TO: HELLENERE; HSLLENS

SUITE 11

MANAGEMENT LTD.EPLETT M I WINS INC. 01

KING STREET EAST

1

1

1

1

1

1

1

1

1

1i

1

1

1

TORONTO, ONTARIO M5C 1C3

HELLENB EPLETT - ANALYSIS COMPLETED

SAMPLE tt

90101

•90102

90103

90104

90105

i

901061

TO06

901O6

90106

90107

90103

90106

90106

90106

70106 . '

90106

90106

"'ANALYSIS "-PERFORMED

OJar Test/As/pH

Jar Test/As/pH

Arsenic ( Low Level ) *pH

Arsenic (Low Level)* P.H

Arsenic (Low Level)-t- pH '

TSS

P

Alkalinity

As (Low Level )XpH

As (Low Lel-slJ/pH

As (Low Level J/pH

Cd

Cu

Fe '

Ni.

Zn

Hg { Lew -Level )

DATECOMPLETED

e-NQV-90

8-NOV-90

9-NOV-90

.12-NOV-90

12-NDV-9O

13-NOV-90

14-NOV-90

14-NOV-90

16-NOV-90

16-NOV-90

16-NOV-90

•17-NOV-90

17-NOV-90

17-NOV-90

17-NOV-90

17-NOV-90

17-NOV-90

RESULTS

0.3 ppn^pHz7

0.3 pp^n/pH=6.9

3.3 ppn^pHs6.9

0.35 ppfn/pH=6.4

,

7.4 ppn^pH™7.9i

3 bg/L

2.3 ug

46 mgCaCOs/L

20 ppb 6.40

35 ppb 6.17

45 pp6 6.40

N/D

N/D

2 ppm ,

N/D

N/0

N/D


l— — -3 l WED 2 Cot.a. Re-fin 0 3

TO: HELLEN3 MANAGEMENT LTD.RE; HELLENS EFLETT - ANALYSIS COMPLETED

. . , /2

.-age 2

SAMPLE tt

90109

90110

90111

90112

70113

70114

90115

90116

ANALYSIS PERFORMED

As/pH

As/pH

As/pH

As/pH

As/pH

As/pH

As/pH

As/pH

DATE COMPLETED

20-NQV-90

20-NOV-90

2C-NQV-90

20-NOV-90

20-NOV-90

20-NOV-90

20-NOV-90

20-NDV-90

RESULTS

60 ppb/pH 6.5

80 ppb/pH 6.6

480 ppb/pH 6.5

240 ppb/pH 6,5t

56 ppb/pH 7.3

24 ppb/pH 7.3

5B ppb/pH 7.2

112 ppb/pH 7,2


l— S" — -E* l MED : 2 2 Cobo.lt. P . 0 2

SAMPLE .

Upper Pond ( Z gsl)v

bower Tend f 3 ns* )

Upper Pond (re^hezk)

Upper Pond (after treatment)

Lower Pcnd

Upper Fond Composite

Upper Pond 6'

Upper Pond

Decant

Decant

Decent

Decant

51 ste Creak

Slate Creek

Slate Creek

Slate Creek

DATE RECEIVED

S-NOV-90

B-NOV-90

9 -MOV- 90

12-NQV-90

12-NOV-90

13-NOV-90

13-NQV-90

13-NQV-90 '

17-NDV-90

18-NDV-90

I9-NOV-90t

20-NOV-90l

l7-NDV-9CiI

1S-NOV-90

i9-NDV-90

20-NOV-90

SAMPLE*

901 Ci

90102

90 A 03

90104

90103

90106

90107

901OB

90109

90110i

90111•.

90112i

9C'lll3

9O114

90115

90116

JAN

1

1

1

1

1

1

1

1

1

1

1

1

1

1

1

1

1

1

— T — -5" 1 M OH 1-4:0-4 HELUENS MANAGEMENT LTD. P. 05

—^0: HELLENS MANAGEMENT LTD - RE; HELLENS EPLETT MINING INC,

FROM: TENNY RESEARCH CANADA INC*

DATE,: DECEMBER 20, 1990

DATE DATE DATE RESULTS REMARKS RECEIVED COMPLETED

21-NOV

22-NOV

22-NOV

23-NOV

24-NOV

25-NOV

28-NOV

28-NOV

2S-NOV

30-NOV

30-NOV

SAME

SAME

SAME

SAME

2&-NOV

26-NOV

SAME

SAME

SAME

SAME

SAME

SAME

SAME

SAME

SAME

26-NOV

26-NOV

SAME

SAME

SAME

SAME10-DEC10-DEC30-NOV07-DEC07-DEC07-DEC07-DEC10-DEC07-DEC07-DEC

SAME10-DEC10-DEC30-NOV07-DEC07-DEC07-DEC07-DEC10-DEC07-DEC

As -

As -PH -

As -PH -

As -pH -

As - PH -

As -PH -

As ~

As -

As -PH -

PH -

0.7S ppm

0.1 ppm6.3

0.56 ppm6*5

0. 14 ppm6.3

0.24 ppm 6.5

0.26 ppm6.7

0. 1 ppm

6.3 ppm

3.0 ppm6.9

6.4TSS - 100 mg/LP - 40 ug/LAs -Cd -Cu -Fe -Pb -HgNi -Zn -

Ph ~

0.4 ppmN/D0*4 ppm0.2 ppmN/D

N/DN/D

7.2TSS - 300 mg/LP -As -Cd -Cu -Pe -Pb -HgNi -

6 ug/L0.01 ppmN/DN/D1.1 ppmN/D

N/D

Composite ofboth lines

Upper line

Lower line

Decant

Decant sample not preserved

Decant samplenot preserved

Upper pond

Lower pond

Combination ofUpper fc Lowev Po*k

Composite ofof Decantsamples fromNov 17-23

Composite ofSlate Creek

l L-t-U-'W-JI i I—I X

9Q8*8GJflN 1 4 ' 91 12:21 X-RAY ASSAY.U^.416.4*5 jU^S*8Q8*8Q8*8Q8*8Q8*8GS*SQ8*8Q844?*^Q8*8QS'8Q8

V)ii

.w

Parameter

Alkalinity (as CaC03)

Biochemical Oxygen DemandSulphateAmmonia (as N)

Mercury

W.O, #6878

SlateCreekNOV.29/M

48

l

2800

^.02

•cO-OOOl

Upper Pond Nov 29/90

74

2600

O.02

^.0001

w

Results are expressed as mg/L.

l(A

ti (A (0

f

8

(A O"


APPENDIX B

Certificate of Approval Summary of Requirements

Oct. 31, 1990

approval of short tern modifications (Section 24 OWRA)

1. treatment and discharge of waste water in tailings ponds

2. the heaping of tailings at the upper end of the upper pond, and

3. 6" * clay cover over tailings conditional on following:

1. verbal or written acknowledgement to treat or discharge water

2. maintain a record of following:a. analysis of waste water before and after treatment prior to discharge, weekly during discharge period for : pH, alkalinity, conductivity, total spended solids, total phosphorus, sulphate, ammonia, arsenic, calcium, copper, lead, iron, mercury, nickel and zinc.

b. estimated volume of wastewater treated

c. quantity of FezfSO^ added to each batch treatment

d. daily volume discharged and arsenic concentration in daily sample

H. E. shall prepare and submit a monitoring and compliance report to the D Officer MOE, on a seasonal (after each patch treatment and discharge) basis within 90 days following completion of batch discharge.

HE shall apply to director sect 24 OWRA by Aug. l , 1 992 for amendment to existing Cert of Approval No. -4-0036-85-877 for the approval of a modification to the sewage works that would enable reliable and effective long term storage of tailings as well as an acceptable method of treating, monitoring and discharging effluent from the sewage works.

29,^1.9 [87

tailings pond with max crest of 823 feet and capacity of 135,000 tons receiving mill and mine water

secondary clear pond with crest elevation of 810 feet and a storage capacity of 20,000 cubic yards estimated cost of S135,000

all subject to special conditions in Schedule B

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SCHEDULE B

1. Definitions

2. "Requirements specified in this Certificate of Approval are minimum requirements and do not abrogate the need for the Company to take all reasonable steps to avoid violating the provisions of applicable legislation.

3. The requirements of this Certificate of Approval are severable.

4. The company shall notify the District Officer in writing of any of the following changes within thirty (30) days of the change occurring:

(1) change of owner or operator or both(2) change of address and address of new owner(3) change in Company directors or officers; and a copy of

the most current "Initial Notice or Notice of Change" (form l or 2 of O Reg 189, RRO 1980) filed under the Corporations Information Act shall be submitted to the District Officer.

5. Prior to the commencement of wastewater flow to secondary clear water pond the company shall give District office 3 days prior notice.

6. The sewage works are to be designed constructed and operated such that subject parameters shall not be exceeded calculated in accordance with subsection (3):

Parameters Concentration in Effluent (mg/L)

a.) 5 day Biochemical Oxygenemand 15 (BOD) 5

b.) Suspended Solids 15

c.) Oils and Greases of vegetable, animalor mineral origin (total) 15

d.) The total concentration of every individual metal, excluding calcium, magnesium, potassium and sodium l

e.) Notwithstanding paragraph (d), thecumulative concentration of copper, zincand nickel l

f.) Notwithstanding paragraph (d), cadmium ormercury 0.001

111111111111

tg.) Ammonia (NH3, expressed as nitrogen, N) 10

h. } If total phosphorous discharges are greaterthan 4.5 kilograms (10 pounds) per day,then total phosphorus 1

i.) Notwithstanding paragraph (d) arsenic 0.5

j.) Notwithstanding paragraph (c), phenols 0.02

7. (1) Notwithstanding Condition 6, minimum water qualitystandards at mouth of Slate Creek unfiltered are:

WATER QUALITY PARAMETER CONCENTRATION IN WATER (MG/L)

Arsenic 0.1Cadmium 0.0002Chromium 0.1Copper 0.005Iron 0.3Mercury 0.0002Nickel 0.025Selenium 0.1Silver 0.0001Zinc 0.03Total Phosphorous 0.02Ammonia (NH3, expressed as nitrogen, N) 1Phenols 0.001

(2) The pH shall be between 6.5 and 8.5

(3) Exceedence of a concentration is deemed to have occurred when(a) the arithmetic mean of three consecutive samples is

greater than the minimum standard for any parameter and

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1

1

(b) the arithmetic mean of samples taken upstream fromeffluent is equal to or less than 80fc of the correspondingmean Creek sample concentration.

8. The Company shall establish and maintain upon commencement ofoperation of the approved sewage works an effluent qualitymonitoring program:(1) Sampling locations as set out in subsection (2) shall

approved by District Officerbe

(2) Grab samples shall be taken on a weekly basis in following

1

1

1

1

locations :(1) Slate Creek upstream(2) Mouth of Slate Creek(3) Mine water discharge(4) Primary clear water pond{5} Secondary clear water pond effluent

(3) Samples collected shall be sent to acceptable labdetermine :

to

pH, suspended solids, copper, lead, nickel, zinc, iron,


cadmium, mercury, arsenic, phosphorus, ammonia, sulphates, alkalinity and conductivity

(4) After obtaining a minimum of 3 months of sample results from the locations described in subsection (2), the Company may, with written consent of District Office change the frequency of monitoring or the parameters at the primary clear water pond and mine water discharge.

(5) The Company shall sample and analyze for the parameters listed in subsection (3) at the secondary pond effluent and upstream weekly for a period of one year, and thereafter, at such lesser frequency as the District Officer may specify from time to time.

(6) Analyses from subsection (3) shall be reported to the District Officer not later than the 20th day of the month following the month in which the samples were obtained.

(7) The Company shall use an instantaneous flow measuring device {V-notch Weir) to record effluent discharge from the secondary pond. The device is to be calibrated at least once per year within +X- lOfc accuracy.

9. An operational summary report shall be submitted to the District Officer on a monthly basis within 20 days following the period. The first report shall be submitted to cover the first two months. The following information is to be submitted in an acceptable format:(1) A summary and interpretation of all analytical and flow

data collected relative to the sewage works facility during the period being reported on;

(2) The storage capacity of the tailings impoundment area occupied in the reporting period, as well as a revised estimate of the remaining storage capacity of the tailing impoundment area; and

(3) A list summarizing any implementation programs affiliated with the approved sewage works that are planned being implemented and completed, as well as the completion or scheduled completion date of each program.

10. The Certificate of Approval is only for discharges from the Company's secondary clear water pond.

11. The Company shall maintain for 3 years: analytical results calibration and maintenance records and calibration control equipment and all other records respecting sewage works.

12. By Sept. l, 1990 the Company shall submit a detailed re- vegetation plan acceptable to the Regional Director which shall include the procedures to be followed to ensure sewage restoration of the area of activities.

APPENDIX C

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'IfiEAGLEBROOKDATA SHEET

FERRIC SULPHATE SOLUTIONFerrie sulphate is used in water, waste water and industrial water treatment. It is an excellent coagulant, removes phosphate and co-precipitates heavy metals. Ferrie sulphate can also be applied to control odors, particularily those associated with sulphide ion. Iron sludges settle rapidly, aiding in solids reduction and sludge handling. In the mineral industry it is used to precipitate and remove soluble arsenic and selenium ions. Lastly, ferrie sulphate can be used to condition sludge prior to mechanical thickening. In this application it can be used alone, with alkali such as lime or with polymers. It's use with polymers can reduce the high cost of sludge conditioning by sole use or polymers.Ferrie sulphate works particularly well in applications which come in contact with stainless steel components. Ferrie sulphate, as opposed to ferrie chloride, does not corrode stainless steel.Due to the many applications for ferrie sulphate and the variations in feed streams Eaglebrook has developed the ability to customize its ferrie sulphate to individual ap plications.Eaglebrook's ferrie sulphate is a manufactured product, manufactured to your specifications. The concentration of iron can be varied up to the solubility limit of ferrie sulphate. The free acidity can be increased or reduced as the situation requires. The level of impurities can also be controlled. All products meet AWWA standards for fer rie chloride, as standards for ferrie sulphate have not been issued by the AWWA.

FERRIC SULPHATE SOLUTION

Specifications:Ferrie Sulphate Ferrous Sulphate Free Acid Water Insolubles

440Xo standard grade0.30Xo maximum0.20/0 maximum

0.050/0 maximum

Physical PropertiesAppearance—Dark brown liquidConcentration—440/0 Fe2(S04)3 by weight in waterSpecific gravity 300C (860F)—1.51Freezing point—below -400C (-400F)Weight per gallon (Imperial)—6.85 kgs.(15.1 Ibs.)Weight per gallon (U.S.)-5.71 kgs.(12.6 Ibs.)

SAFETY AND FIRST AIDFerrie sulphate solution is corrosive and an irritant. It can cause eye burns and irritate the skin. Avoid direct body contact with solution by wearing protective clothes and rubber gauntlet gloves. Wear safety splash goggles to protect the eyes. In case of accidental contact with skin or eyes, flush with copious amounts of water. In case of contact with eyes flush with water for at least 15 minutes and call a physician. For skin contact, after flushing with water, remove contaminated clothing and shoes. Clothing should be washed before reuse.Do not ingest. Ferric sulphate can irritate and seriously damage the mouth and digestive tract For further safe ty information see material safety data sheet.

ON-SITE STORAGEFerric sulphate can be stored in either stainless steel, fiberglass reinforced polyester or rubber-lined steel tanks. All fittings, piping and valves must be of same materials. Insulation is not required because of the low freezing point of the standard ferrie sulphate solution (-400C l -400F). The tanks should be diked to contain any spillage. Small spills can be neutralized with soda ash or lime. After neutralization, the area can be flushed with water. Ferrie sulphate is corrosive and attacks many metals rapidly. Any wetted metal parts should be stainless steel or more resis tant metals.The storage volume needed would depend on rate of usaga It is usually most economic to allow delivery by largest tanker allowable This minimizes freight cost. The use of railroad cars can frequently lower freight costs. In either situation, the storage tank should have at least 1Vz times the maximum delivery volume.

The information and statements herein are believed to be reliable, but are not to be construed as a warranty or representation (or wh'ch we assume legal responsivity. User should undertake suf ficient verification and testing to determine the suitability for their own particular purpose of any information or products referred to herein. No warranty of fitness for a particular purpose is made Consult MSDS for further information.

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Eaglebrook Environmental Corporation ( l/Environnement Eaglebrook Quebec Liee

MATERIAL SAFETY DATA SHEET

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Product name: FERROUS SULPHATE SOLUTIONProduct use: Wastewater treatment. Also a nutrient and/or dietary supplement for food as well as a trace

mineral added to animal food. Chemical family: Inorganic acidic salt solution Chemical name: Ferrous sulphate solutionTrade names and synonyms: Iron (II) sulphate, ferrous sulfate, iron (II) sulfate Chemical formula: FeS04 Molecular weight: 151.91

Manufacturer name and address:

In Ontario In QuebecEaglebrook Environmental Corporation L'Environnement Eaglebrook Quebec Ltee2650 Royal Windsor Drive 3405 boulevard Marie-VictorinMississauga, Ontario L5J 1K7 Varennes Quebec JOL 2POBusiness Tel. #: (416)822-5836 Business Tel. #: (514) 652-0665

Emergency Tel. #: (416) 761 -6875 Emergency Tel. #: (514) 652-0665

Supplier name and address: Refer to Manufacturer

SECTION li - INGREDIENTS

Inaredients

Ferrous sulphate

Sulphuric acid

CAS#

7720-78-7

7664-93-9f

"/o

13-22

1-6

LCso ppm (Inhalation)

N/A

255 mg/mSMH (rat)

LD5Q mg/kg (Oral)

319 mg/kg (mouse)

2140 mg/kg (rat)

SECTION III - PHYSICAL DATA

Physical State: LiquidOdour and appearance: Light to dark green liquid, no odour.Odour threshold: N/ApSpecific gravity: 1.16 to 1.30Coefficient of water/oil distribution: N/AVapour pressure (mm Hg): N/ABoiling point: N/AFreezing point: Approximately OOCpH: N/AVapour density (Air ^ -\): S imilar to waterEvaporation rate (BuAc ^ 1 ): N/AVolatiles, "/o by volume: N/ASolubility in water: Complete

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SECTION IV - FIRE AND EXPLOSION DATA

Conditions of flammability: Not flammable Means of extinction: As appropriate for other combustibles in area. Sensitivity to mechanical impact/static discharge: N/Ap Flash point (Method): Will not burn Upper/Lower flammable limit C& by volume): N/Ap Auto-ignition temperature: N/ApHazardous combustion products: See Hazardous decomposition products.Special procedures: Emits toxic fumes during thermal decomposition. Firefighters should wear protective

equipment and respirator when working in a confined area.

szzzzzxzzxsxzxssxzxzzzzssxzzzzzssxzxszssxzzzzszsszssssssusassssasssssxs&sszasssxxssxssSECTION V - REACTIVITY DATA

rss

Stability: YesIncompatible materials: Alkalis, soluble carbonates, and gold and silver salts.Conditions of reactivity: Fairly corrosive to mild steel. Storage and equipment materials include FPR, PVC and

rubber-lined steel. Hazardous decomposition products: May emit toxic fumes of S02 and 863.

SECTION VI - TOXICOLOGICAL PROPERTIESszzzsszznzzss^zzinsnnzzssszsnsnnszs'sssssssssssszsssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssszsES

*" Routes of exposure and acute effects " *

LDso of material: 319 mg/kg (oral, mouse) for ferrous sulphateLCso of material: 255 mg/mSMH (inhalation, rat) for sulphuric acidExposure limit: ACGIH-TLV: 1 mg/mS as FeInhalation: Irritation of upper respiratory passages and mucous membranes.Skin: May cause skin irritation.Eyes: Irritation, blurring vision, may cause eye burns.Ingestion: Moderate toxicity. May irritate mucous membranes.Irritancy: A powerful irritant to skin, eyes and mucous membranes.Sensitization: Infrequently associated with human skin sensitization.Chronic effects: Eye corrosion with corneal or conjunctiva! ulceration. Significant skin permeation after contact

seems unlikely. Not listed as a carcinogen by IARC or ACGIH. Amutagen. Reproductive toxicity,teratogenicity: No data "* First Aid "'

Inhalation: Remove to fresh air; give artificial respiration K necessary and call a physician. Eyes: Flush eyes with running water for at least 15 minutes and call a physician. Skin: Flush affected areas with soap and water for 15 minutes and contact a physician. Ingestion: Do not induce vomiting. Give large quantities of water and call a physician. Never give anything by

mouth to an unconscious person.

SECTION VII - SPILL, LEAK, AND DISPOSAL PROCEDURES

Spill, leak or release: Contain spill, then neutralize with lime or soda ash. CAUTION; Heat and gases may be generated during neutralization. Add lime or soda ash slowly. Avoid breathing gases if in a confined space.

Waste disposal: Dispose of material in accordance with federal, provincial and local regulations.

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SECTION VIII - SPECIAL-PROTECTION INFORMATION

Respiratory protection: Use NIOSH/MSHA approved breathing apparatus if necessary to keep concentration ofproduct below ACGIH-TLV.

Ventilation: Local exhaust. Protective gloves: Rubber gloves. Eye protection: Chemical splash goggles Other protective equipment: Wear rubber apron, pants, jacket and footwear when handling product.

SECTION IX - SPECIAL PRECAUTIONS

Storage and handling conditions: Piping of FRP or PVC is satisfactory, subject to temperature limitations.Store product in well ventilated area in rubber-lined or FRP tanks or in polythene drums. Storage area

should be diked to contain spills. Capacity should be either double the tank truck or tank car volume or 2 weeks supply, whichever is greater.

Special shipping information: Environmentally Hazardous Substance, Class 9.2; Packing Group III; UN #9125.

Additional notes or references:

Abbreviations: N/A: ' N/Ap:

' H: IARC: ACGIH: TLV: FRP: PVC: NIOSH MSHA TDG:

not availablenot applicableHourInternational Agency for Research on CancerAmerican Conference of Governmental Industrial HygienistsThreshold Limit ValuesGlass-fibre reinforced plasticPolyvinyl chlorideNational Institute for Occupational Safety and HealthMine Safety and Health AdministrationTransportation of Dangerous Goods Act and Regulations

References:1. Merck S Co., Inc. The Merck Index. 1983. Tenth Edition.2. Van Nostrand Reinhold, Hawlev's Condensed Chemical Dictionary. Eleventh Edition. N. Irving

Sax and Richard Lewis, Jr.3. Van Nostrand Reinhold, Dangerous Properties of Industrial Materials. Sixth Edition. N. Irving Sax.4. Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety. RTECS (Registry of Toxic Effects)

database.5. ACGIH, Threshold Limit Values and Biological Exposure Indices for 1987-88.6. International Agency for Research on Cancer Monographs, Supplement 7,1988.7. Transportation of Dangerous Goods Act and Regulations.

Prepared by: Eaglebrook Environmental Corporation Preparation date: Sept 1,1988

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Eaglebrook Environmental Corporation . L'Environnement Eaglebrook Quebec Ltee

MATERIAL SAFETY DATA SHEET

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Product name: FERRIC SULPHATE SOLUTION - LOW ACIDProduct use: Wastewater treatment. Coagulant in water purification and sewage treatment. Etching aluminum.

Mordant in textile dyeing. Soil conditioner. Chemical family: Inorganic acidic salt solution Chemical name: Ferrie sulphate solution Trade names and synonyms: Ferrie persulphate, iron persulphate, ferrie sulfate, iron persulfate, ferrie

persulfate.Chemical formula: Fe2(SO4)3 Molecular weight: 399.88

Manufacturer name and address:

In Ontario:Eaglebrook Environmental Corporation2650 Royal Windsor DriveM ississauga, Ontario L5J1K7Business Tel. #: ((416) 822-5836

In Quebec:L'Environnement Eaglebrook Quebec Ltee. 3405 boulevard Marie-Victorin Varennes, Quebec JOL 2PO Business Tel. #: (514) 652-0665

Emergency Tel. #: (416) 761 -6875 Emergency Tel. #: (514) 652-0665

Supplier name and address: Refer to Manufacturer

SECTION II - INGREDIENTS

Ingredients

Ferrie Sulphate

Sulphuric acid

CAS#

10028-22-5

7664-93-9

43-46

0.5

LCso ppm (Inhalation)

N/A

255 (rat)

LDso mg/kg (Oral)

5000 mg/kg (rat)2140 mg/kg (rat)

SECTION ill - PHYSICAL DATA

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Physical State: LiquidOdour and appearance: Clear red to beige solution; no detectable odour.Odour threshold: N/ApSpecific gravity: 1.48-1.52Coefficient of water/oil distribution: N/AVapour pressure (mm Hg): N/ABoiling point: N/AFreezing point: Approximately -38QCpH: N/AVapour density (Air s 1): Similar to waterEvaporation rate (BuAc s 1): N/AVolatiles, 0Xo by volume: N/ASolubility in water: Complete

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SECTION VIII - SPECIAL PROTECTION INFORMATION

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Respiratory protection: Use NIOSH/MSHA approved breathing apparatus if necessary to keep concentration ofproduct below ACGIH-TLV.

Ventilation: Local exhaust. Protective gloves: Rubber gloves. Eye protection: Chemical splash goggles Other protective equipment: Wear rubber apron, pants, jacket and footwear when handling product.

SECTION IX - SPECIAL PRECAUTIONS

Storage and handling conditions: Piping of FRP or PVC is satisfactory, subject to temperature limitations.Store product in well ventilated area in rubber-lined or FRP tanks or in polythene drums. Storage area

should be diked to contain spills. Capacity should be either double the tank truck or tank car volume or 2weeks supply, whichever is greater.

Special shipping information: Environmentally Hazardous Substance, Class 9.2; Packing Group III;UN#9121.

Additional notes or references:

Abbreviations:N/A: not availableN/Ap: not applicableH: HourIARC: International Agency for Research on CancerAGGIH: American Conference of Governmental Industrial HygienistsTLV: Threshold Limit ValuesFRP: Glass-fibre reinforced plasticPVC: Polyvinyl chlorideNIOSH National Institute for Occupational Safety and HealthMSHA Mine Safety and Health AdministrationTDG: Transportation of Dangerous Goods Act and Regulations

References:1. Merck a Co., Inc. The Merck Index. 1983. Tenth Edition.2. Van Nostrand Reinhold, Hawlev's Condensed Chemical Dictionary. Eleventh Edition. N. Irving

Sax and Richard Lewis, Jr.3. Van Nostrand Reinhold, Dangerous Properties of Industrial Materials. Sixth Edition. N. Irving Sax.4. Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety. RTECS {Registry of Toxic Effects)

database.5. ACGIH, Threshold Limit Values and Biological Exposure Indices for 1987-88.6. Internationa! Agency for Research on Cancer Monographs, Supplement 7,1988.7. Transportation of Dangerous Goods Act and Regulations.

Prepared by: Eaglebrook Environmental Corporation Preparation date: Sept 1,1988

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SECTION IV - FIRE AND EXPLOSION DATA

Conditions of flammability: Not flammable Means of extinction: As appropriate for other combustibles in area. Sensitivity to mechanical Impact/static discharge: N/Ap Flash point (Method): Will not burn Upper/Lower flammable limits ("/o by volume): N/Ap Auto-Ignition temperature: N/ApHazardous combustion products: See Hazardous decomposition products.Special procedures: Emits toxic fumes during thermal decomposition. Firelighters should wear protective

equipment and respirator when working in a confined area. Do not allow to enter a navigable stream.

SECTION V - REACTIVITY DATAC!zs~r:z:~::s~~~r:ss:!z~s~::~~~ZM~zs~~~z::::~~z~s;f ZSZSSSZSSSES:SSSSMSSZSSSSZSSS:SSSSSSSMSSE:SS!SS:S

Stability: YesIncompatible materials: Alkalis, soluble carbonates, and gold and silver salts.Conditions of reactivity: Fairly corrosive to mild steel. Storage and equipment materials include FPR, PVC and

rubber-lined steel. Hazardous decomposition products: May emit toxic fumes of S02 and

SECTION VI-TOXICOLOGICAL PROPERTIES

"' Routes of exposure and acute effects "* LDso of material: 5000 mg/kg (oral, rat) for ferrie sulphate LCso of material: 255 mg/mSMH (inhalation, rat) for sulphuric acid Exposure limit: ACGIH-TLV: 1 mg/mS as Fe Inhalation: Danger due to inhalation undetermined, but expected to be low due to physical and chemical

properties of product. Most irritation due to H2SO4. Skin: May cause skin irritation. Eyes: Irritation, blurring vision, may cause eye burns. Ingestion: May irritate mucous membranes. Irritancy: An irritant to skin, eyes and mucous membranes. Sensitization: Infrequently associated with human skin sensitization. Chronic effects: Not listed as a carcinogen by IARC or ACGIH. Other effects, indluding reproductive toxicity,

teratogenic'rty, mutagenicity: None known."' First Aid *" - - 4iInhalation: Remove to fresh air; give artificial respiration if necessary and call a physician. ^

Eyes: Wash eyes with water for at least 15 minutes and call a physician. lf Skin: Flush affected areas with soap and water for 15 minutes and contact a physician. ;* Ingestion: Do not induce vomiting. Give large quantities of water and call a physician. Never give anything by f

mouth to an unconscious person.

SECTION VII - SPILL, LEAK, AND DISPOSAL PROCEDURES f

Spill, leak or release: Contain spill, then neutralize with lime or soda ash. CAUTION: Heat and gases may be generated during neutralization. Add lime or soda ash slowly. Avoid breathing gases if in a confined space. Waste disposal: Dispose of material in accordance with federal, provincial and local regulations.

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ARSENIC ENVIRCNME-.TAL CONTROL iECvnc'.cs'7

PROCESS ALTERNATIVES FOR THE TREATMENT F L* MI

DIRECT PRECIPITATION

DIRECT PRECIPITATION OF ARSENIC IN AQUEOUS SOLUTIONS CAN BE ACCOMPLISHED WITH THE LlME PROCESS AND THE SULPHIDE PROCESS.

THE LIME PROCESS PRECIPITATES CALCIUM ARSENATE FROM THE EFFLUENT STREAM AT HIGH PH VALUES, THE ADVANTAGES OF THE SYSTEM ARE THE ECONOMY OF CHEMICAL ADDITION AND THE NEED FOR UNSOPHISTICATED EQUIPMENT WITH ITS EASIER OPERATOR SKILLS, THE DISADVANTAGES OF THE PROCESS ARE THAT ANY TRIVALENT ARSENIC MUST BE OXIDIZED TO THE PEMTAVALENT -

. . FORM FOR EFFECTIVE PRECIPITATION, THE EFFLUENT FROM THE™ PROCESS MUST BE NEUTRALIZED BEFORE DISCHARGE AMD REMOVAL

TO VERY LOW ARSENIC LEVELS CANNOT BE ACHIEVED (SOLUBILITY

OF CALCIUM ARSENATE IS 130 MG/L AT 250C),

IN THE SULPHIDE PROCESS. ARSENIC TRi SULPHIDE ^283) CAMBE PRECIPITATED BY THE ADDITION OF A HIGHLY ACIDIFIED

AQUEOUS SOLUTION OF ARSENIC, THE MAIN ADVANTAGES OF THE

PROCESS IS THAT RELATIVELY HIGH REMOVALS OF ARSENIC CAN

BE ACHIEVED DUE TO THE RATHER LOW SOLUBILITY OF THE

ARSENIC TRISULPHIDE SLUDGE, HOWEVER, MAJOR DISADVANTAGES '

ARE THE NEED TO HANDLE SULPHIDE SOLUTIONS UNDER ACID

CONDITIONS (KITH CORRESPONDING POTENTIAL FOR HoS EMMISSIONS)

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l *m ADSORPTION PROCESSES

l - y THE ADSORPTION PROCESSES INCLUDE RESIN ION EXCHANGE ANDACTIVATED CARBON ADSORPTION, THESE TYPES OF SYSTEMS OFFER

l THE ADVANTAGE OF BEING ABLE TO PERFORM WELL UNDER VARYING

m I NFLUENT CONCENTRATION LOADS, IF THE CONCENTRATION OF

* ARSENIC IN THE INFLUENT VAR.IES GREATLY, THE ADSORPTION

l SYSTEM WILL STILL REMOVE COMPLEX ARSENIC IONS WITHOUT

REQUIRING PROCESS CHANGES,

lg THE DISADVANTAGES'OF THESE SYSTEMS, HOWEVER, ARE THEIR

" LOWER ARSENIC REMOVAL EFFICIENCY (SPECIFICALLY FOR

l ACTIVATED CARBON), THE HIGHER DEGREE OF TECHNOLOGY

REQUIRED FOR OPERATION AMD THE NEED TO TREAT AN l ARSENIC-RICH SPENT REGENERANT STREAM,

* . FLOCCULATION PROCESSES

l THE FLOCCULATION PROCESSES INCLUDE THE .-FERRIC CHLORIDE l PROCESS, FERROUS SULPHATE PROCESS AND THE ALUMINUM SULPHATE

PROCESS, ADDITION OF ANY ONE OF THESE CHEMICALS TO WATER l WILL RESULT IN DEPRESSION OF THE ALKALINITY OF THE WATER, m CONSEQUENTLY TO MAINTAIN AN OPTIMUM pH FOR COAGULATION

AMD FLOCCULATION OF PRECIPITATED SOLIDS, ADDITIONAL

f ALKALINITY MAY BE REQUIRED AND THIS IS USUALLY PROVIDED

BY MEANS OF LIME ADDITION, THE FERRIC CHLORIDE PROCESS

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PLUS LIME ADDITION IS PRESENTLY IN PLACE- AT THE DELORO

SITE,

PAG c 3 OF i]

THE FERRIC CHLORIDE PROCESS PRECIPITATES BOTH TRIVALEMT l AND PENTAVALENT ARSENIC IONS IN A FERRIC HYDROXIDE m , ry COMPLEX IN THE ALKALINE PH RANGE, THE PROCESS HAS THE* POTENTIAL TO BE VERY EFFECTIVE IN ACHIEVING LOW ARSENIC l CONCENTRATIONS AS THE SOLUBILITIES OF BASIC FERRIC AND

ALUMINUM ARSENATES ARE QUITE LOW, THE ADVANTAGES OF THE l PROCESS ARE ITS ADAPTABILITY TO ALL ARSENIC FORMS, ITS . EASE GF USE AND ITS HIGHER EFFICIENCY FOR ARSENIC REMOVAL, " THE DISADVANTAGE OF THE SYSTEM IS ITS SLIGHTLY HIGHER l CHEMICAL COSTS WHEN COMPARED TO THE LlME PROCESS,

l THE POTABLE WATER TREATMENT LITERATURE REPORTS THAT VERYm H IGH (APPROXIMATELY 99 PERCENT) REMOVAL EFFICIENCIES OF* ARSENIC ARE ACHIEVABLE WITH THE FERRIC CHLORIDE PROCESSl IF AN OXIDANT (E,G, CHLORINE) IS USED TO CONVERT ALL ARSENIC

TO THE PENTAVALENT FORM PRIOR TO FERRIC CHLORIDE ADDITION, l THIS INDICATES THAT EVEN WITH FERRIC CHLORIDE, THE . OXIDATION STATE OF ARSENIC IS IMPORTANT TO THE PROCESS, ™ HOWEVER, THIS WOULD ENTAIL MORE CHEMICAL COSTS FOR

/

l PURCHASE OF THE OXIDANT,

l THE FERROUS SULPHATE PROCESS is SIMILAR TO THE FERRICB CHLORIDE PROCESS IN THAT ARCEMIC is REMOVED BY MEANS OF AN* IRON HYDROXIDE FLOC, Hct/EVER, WHEN FSRROUS SULPHATE IS

l ADDED TO THE WASTE STREAM, IT MUST FIRST BE OXIDIZED TO

THE FERRIC FORM UNDER ALKALINE CONDITIONS SO THAT A

l FERRIC HYDROXIDE FLOC IS PRODUCED, THE ADVANTAGES OF THE

. SYSTEM ARE ITS EASE OF OPERATION AND RELATIVELY HIGH

l EFFICIENCY WHILE ITS DISADVANTAGES ARE ITS SLIGHTLY HIGHERr f \ s* r* r--

OF

lFERROUS TO THE FERRIC FORM, "l

lTHE ALU.VTNHM SULPHATE PROCESS is SIMILAR TO THE FERRIC

l CHLORIDE PROCESS IN THAT IT HAS THE ABILITY TO PRECIPITATE. ' BOTH TRI AND PENTAVALENT ARSENIC IONS, Th'E ADVANTAGE CF

" THE ALUMINUM SULPHATE PROCESS is ITS ADAPTABILITY WHILEl ITS DISADVANTAGES ARE SLIGHTLY HIGHER CHEMICAL COSTS

AND THE POSSIBLE FORMATION OF SOLUBLE ARSENIC COMPOUNDS

f IF OPTIMUM CONDITIONS ARE NOT PRESENT,

" WHEN REMOVING ARSENIC BY FLOCCULATION PROCESSES, A KEY l FACTOR FOR SELECTION OF ONE PROCESS OVER ANOTHER IS THE

SOLUBILITY OF THE PRECIPITATED ARSENIC COMPOUND, AT l COMPARABLE PH VALUES, THE IRON SALTS GENERALLY HAVE A. LOWER SOLUBILITY PRODUCT THAN THE SALTS OF OTHER

* POLYVALENT METALS,

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3 THE ORIGIN OF WATER POLLUTION PROBLEMS

The origin of contaminated wastewaters at many Canadian mine sites can be largely attributed to the ease of oxidation of certain sulphide minerals with the consequent generation of acidic and metal-containing effluents.

3.1 Contaminants Due to the Nature of Ore Bodies

Although all metal sulphides may be amenable to at least slow oxidation, the formation of acidic effluents is associated with ore bodies containing the more readily oxidizable iron sulphides, such as pyrite (FeS2) and pyrrhotite (Feo-g-iS). Thus, several mines in Canada, which contain the economic minerals (base metals, uranium, and precious metals) in a disseminated or massive iron sulphides matrix, generate acidic effluents.

3.1.1 Acid Mine Drainage and the Mechanism of its Formation. When fully established, this oxidative process results in the formation of acid mine drainage (AMD). As the name implies, AMD may be defined as a low pH leachate formed by natural processes acting on a sulphide-containing waste usually produced by a mining operation. Acidic effluents may arise as mine water from open pits and underground mine workings, or as surface drainage and seepage from tailings disposal facilities and waste rock dumps. Whereas the quality of AMD may vary from mine to mine, contaminated mine effluents

^ ^iaenk't 'rr"~'**' :f' 1~'*''' " - .•^Ms-'-.i-!*:-— - . ,,.ai*-vrf nji-^.1,. ...^.- •JS.totgfliya^Tiij^.yfl&

Hence, expensive treatment and contro^systems are required that can continue to operate

However, many mines do not generate acidic effluents. The accurate prediction and successful prevention, treatment and control of acid mine drainage are key elements in minimizing the environmental impact of mining operations and require a thorough understanding of the mechanism of AMD generation.

The oxidation of sulphides present in ore bodies, tailings and mineralized waste rock generally occurs upon their exposure to oxygen (from air or from water). Pyrite, the most common sulphide mineral, is almost always associated with the generation of AMD. The oxidation of pyrite may be represented by four equations, although the complete process is complex and not fully understood.

FeS2(s) * 7/2O2 * H2O * Fe2* * 250^2- * 2H+ ' (1) * H+ * Fe3* * 172H2O .(2)

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* 3H2O -*- Fe(OH)3(s) * 3H+ (3)

FeS2(s) * 14Fe3* * 8H2O * 15Fe2* -i- 2SO^2- * 16H+ ((f)

Kleinmann etal. (1981) described three stages in the generation of AMD.Stage 1. Stage l involves the relatively slow chemical or biological oxidation

of pyrite and other sulphide minerals near neutral pH (equation 1). This initial step may be catalyzed by the bacteria Thiobacillus ferrooxidans through direct contact with sulphide minerals. As acid begins to accumulate around the minerals, the process enters Stage 2.

Stage 2. Ferrous iron is oxidized to ferrie iron (equation 2) which precipitates as ferrie hydroxide (equation 3) and releases more acidity. As the pH falls even further, below about 3.5, ferrie iron remains in solution and oxidizes the pyrite directly (equation 4). ., . ..

Stage 3. In this last stage, the bacteria rapidly catalyze the process by oxidizing ferrous iron to ferrie iron and the overall rate of acidity production is increased . by several orders of magnitude (Singer and Stumm, 1970). Equations 2 and k combine to form a rapid cyclic process which produces large quantitites of add.a'sioSatedMth'Si'e^

^r- -...JJfC-Uur : , ^ ....,,...r.-.^ - —— .^-^.vlvs-y ttMtomuhM^tKtit*.***

release'of heavy "metals into solutiorW^me resulting effluent is acid mine drainage..1— r — — —— " - " - '*— '-r* r '•••t."* ir -tot-n*--0**-"* ---Tit'- -— - — -*.. - -"Jfcjf O O

Thiobacillus ferrooxidans can oxidize ferrous iron as well as inorganic, reduced- sulphur compounds, whereas Thiobacillus thiooxidans oxidizes inorganic reduced-sulphur compounds only. These bacteria require an acidic environment for significant growth, although they may be capable of limited colonization at near neutral pH .(Kleinmann and Crerar, 1979). .- - :

While the abundance of sulphide minerals is a, key factor in the generation of acid mine drainage, other geochemical and physical factors also influence the process. As shown in the reactions, both oxygen and water are required reactants. Limiting the supply of oxygen limits the rate at which oxidation occurs (Pugh et al., 198*). Similarly, insufficient amounts of water may restrict oxidation rates in unsaturated systems (Lowson, 1982). . ~

Water also plays a key role in removing the oxidation products from the surfaces of sulphide minerals. The frequency of flushings influences the quality of waters draining from mining waste. Acid and metal sulphate salts may accumulate within a waste deposit during relatively dry periods and be removed at times of higher precipitation (Geidel, 1980). AMD may be more concentrated with infrequent flushings. This is consistent with observed seasonal fluctuations in the quality of acid mine drainage'.

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Other factors, such as temperature, morphology of sulphides, particle surface area, availability of carbon dioxide, nutrients, and trace elements essential to the growth of microorganisms, also affect the rates of reactions — and ultimately the quality of mine drainage.

Besides the abundance of sulphide minerals, however, the most important factor in determining the nature of mine effluents is often the presence of acid- neutralizing minerals. Carbonate minerals, such as calcite (CaCOs) and dolomite (CaMg(CO3)2)* are the principal natural acid-neutralizing components of mining waste. These minerals can neutralize the acid produced by sulphide oxidation and therefore prevent the establishment of low-pH environments required by microorganisms. Under these conditions, the acid mine drainage process cannot become established and mine effluents remain uncontaminated.

The neutralization by calcite of acid produced by pyrite oxidation may be represented as follows (Williams et ah 1982): -- '

FeS2(S) * 2CaC03(S) * 15/402 {g) H- 3/2H20 * Fe(OH)3(S) * 2S042' * 2Ca2* *2C02(g) (5)

Knowledge of the acid mine drainage process, and especially, the geochemical nature of mining waste are used to predict the formation of AMD. . . . . - '

Investigations into the mechanisms of acid generation have received j considerable emphasis during the past 20 years and are of continuing worldwide interest. Selected references in this regard include:

Ainsworth and Blachar, 1984; Silverman, 1967;Buckley and Woods, 1984; Taylor and Wheeler, 1984;Groudev, 1983; Taylor etal., 1984}Hoff mann et ah, 1981; Tormaetah, 1974;Kleinmann and Crerar, 1979; USBM, 1985;Lowson, 1982; Vuorminen et ah, 1983;Nordstrom, 1982; Wakao et ah, 1984, 1983, 1982. Pughet ah, 1984;

3.1.2 Prediction of Acid Mine Drainage. The quality of mine water is determined by the rate of acid production and consumption and other rock-weathering processes. It Is currently not possible to model all these processes to predict the quality of drainage accurately prior to mining. However, if the AMD-producing reactions become established, effluents of much poorer quality, compared to drainage from mines without

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DECLARATION OF QUALIFICATIONS

I, James R. Trusler of Aurora, Ontario declare the following:

1. I have continuously practised geology and engineering in Canada and United States since 1967.

2. I am a graduate of the University of Toronto in Geological Engineering with a BA Se, 1967.

3. I am a graduate of Michigan Technological University in Geology, M.S. 1972.

4. I am a fellow of the Geological Association of Canada.

5. I am a Professional Engineer in good standing with the Association of Professional Engineers of Ontario.

6. I am a member of the Canadian Institute of Mining and Metallurgical Engineers, Toronto Branch.

7. I am president of Hellens Eplett Mining Inc. and a member of its Board of Directors; I am a director and Vice President of Exploration of International Platinum Corporation (an owner of Hellens Eplett Mining Inc). I also hold shares and options in common stock of International Platinum Corporation.

8. I have and will receive consulting fees and expenses for work conducted on this project.

February 14, 1991 James R. Trusler

james r. trusler consultant and geologist february 14, 1991

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