Tests of the Ability of Leach Materials to Support Plant Growth

Abstract

The ability of heap leach pads to support plant establishment is not documented in the scientific literature on mine reclamation. Two greenhouse studies were initiated to examine plant growth potential in this material. In the first study, Zea mays was used to compare growth in heap leach material before chemical treatment and in water rinsed post-treatment (after sodium cyanide, sodium hydroxide, cement, lime, and floculant addition) material. Soil mix amendment was essential for growth in post-treatment material and liquid fertilizers improved growth. The second study focused on the potential growth an survival of Acacia greggii (a species native to the mine site) in amended and unamended post-leach material with several liquid fertilizers. This species grew and survived in unamended material, but below-ground growth improved with the addition of non-ore bearing spoils (overburden) as an amendment.