Acid mine-water
Acid mine water
Mine water that contains free sulfuric acid, mainly due to the weathering of iron pyrites. A pit water, which corrodes iron pipes and pumps, usually contains a high proportion of solids per gallon, principally the sulfates of iron, chiefly ferrous and alumina.
Where sulfide minerals break down under chemical influence of oxygen and water, the mine drainage becomes acidic and can corrode ironwork. If it reaches a river system, biological damage may also result.