Sulfide mining, also called hard rock mining, is used to extract and produce metals such as copper, nickel, and gold from rock containing sulfur deposits. These metals are used in products that are needed to support our everyday lives. Unfortunately, sulfide mining can produce a toxic side product that can pollute water sources. This side product is known as Acid Mine Drainage.
Acid Mine Drainage is one of the toxic side products that is produced by sulfide mining. Acid Mine Drainage, or AMD, forms when sulfide minerals, such as iron disulfide, are exposed to weathering elements in the atmosphere, water, or bacteria. This oxidizes the pyritic mineral and results in sulphuric acid, dissolved metal ions,