Solid formulations for neutralizing acidic tailings ponds and methods of neutralizing acidic tailings ponds

Abstract

Described herein are solid formulations for neutralizing acidic tailings ponds and methods of neutralizing acidic tailings ponds. The formulations comprise at least 55 wt % magnesium oxide (MgO) and at least 0.5 wt % chitosan salt. The formulations may further comprise a carbonate salt. The methods comprise the steps of (i) providing a solid formulation comprising at least 55 wt % magnesium oxide and at least 0.5 wt % of a chitosan salt, (ii) mixing the solid formulation with a predetermined volume of water to form a suspension; (iii) adding the suspension to the tailings pond; and (iv) allowing neutralization to occur in the tailings pond. The solid formulations may be used in combination with other neutralization reagents, concurrently or consecutively, e.g. in a multi-stage neutralization process.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.