Land reclamation and closure are an integral part of all coal mining operations while the land is being mined and after the coal mine has been closed. SGS understands that your coal mining operation is unique and will require technical experts to assist you in the reclamation and closure planning stages. In order to effectively create these plans, SGS uses a specialized blend of people with practical mining, geological and geotechnical experience, world renowned theoretical knowledge and the latest computer and software technology.

No matter what stage of your coal mining operations, our SGS experts can offer you technical reclamation and closure services including:

• Production of mine site reclamation programs, reconversion and closure plans
• Landscape analysis and inventory
• Visual impact studies
• Land development and landscape architecture
• Concept and design of waste dumps
• 3D animations (exploitation, progressive reclamation)
• Photo-simulation with realistic renderings
• Site works (management, field supervision, plantations and transplantations)
• Technical plans and specification reports

Acid Rock Drainage (ARD) Services

For the majority of coal mining operations, ARD is a major concern beyond the active life of the mine. As a result, ongoing testing is required. Since 1998, SGS has been providing trusted ARD testing and solutions globally.

Our technical expertise provides you with innovative and practical solutions for your ARD needs. Our accredited laboratories offer complete acidic effluent testing services.

SGS has earned a solid reputation as a consulting firm with exceptional technical knowledge of acid rock drainage and can provide you with the following services in the detection and control of ARD:

• Site investigation before, during, or after mining operations to ensure the scope of your ARD needs are completely understood.
  
  
• Comprehensive laboratory analysis of effluent for the prediction and characterization of ARD including complete Static and Kinetic ARD testing in accordance with global standards such as ASTM and ISO.
  
  
• Complete design and pilot scale testing of ARD treatment processes.
  
  
• Construction management, commissioning, and start-up of water treatment solutions.

SGS has an unmatched reputation for delivering quality solutions for any environmental challenge. SGS can ensure all of your ARD issues and concerns are dealt with in an effective and environmentally responsible manner. Our design experts will provide you with practical, efficient methods of monitoring and mitigating ARD problems including:

• Lime precipitation including the High Density Sludge (HDS) process in which limestone/lime and recycled sludge are added to the lime-sludge mix tank at the beginning of the process to become the main neutralization agent
• Engineered wetlands
• Carbon absorption
• Ion exchange
• Reverse osmosis
• Electrodialysis
• Biological systems
• Ozonation