What are the primary environmental issues related to sulfide mining?
A Kennecott priority is environmental responsibility and protection. Preventing and controlling the conditions that can lead to potential environmental issues such as Acid Rock Drainage (ARD) is central to the planning and design of the Eagle Project. ARD may occur when rocks naturally containing sulfides are exposed to air and water over time (all three elements must be present), sometimes producing a dilute sulfuric acid. Successful management of this issue first requires a comprehensive understanding the fundamental principles of ARD and the details of local geology Kennecott has developed expertise and knowledge of both. Kennecott has also developed demonstrated measures that protect important groundwater and surface water bodies. Two separate but complementary systems a multi-lined storage area for rock brought to the surface for temporary storage and a water treatment plant work together to ensure water discharged back to the environment is safe. Both were created to prevent any
