Deanna Hersey
Comparative Analysis of Engineered Mine Waste Rock Covers in Sydney, Nova Scotia
Mining activities produce significant amount of waste rock material. This waste rock contains trace amounts of sulphidic minerals, and upon exposure to the atmosphere, react to produce acid mine drainage. Limiting the amount of atmospheric ingress (i.e. water and oxygen influx) is key to protecting surrounding surface and ground water resources from being contaminated by the toxic liquid. A solution is to overlay the waste rock with a protective barrier. This research will compare various engineered cover systems on a field scale over a seven-year period and assess their performance through an analysis of the materials utilized in each and how they prevent atmospheric ingress
Personal Background:
Deanna previously earned her H.B.Sc in Environmental Science and Mathematics at Western University in 2019. She decided to integrate these disciplines and apply them towards her passion in Environmental Engineering by continuing her education with the RESTORE group under the supervision of Dr. Christopher Power in 2019.
Awards:
Most Implementable project solution; How to Change the World program (2021) https://www.htctw.org/
