The Impact of Filling an Abandoned Open Cast Mine with Fly Ash on Ground Water Quality: A Case Study

Fly ash has been used to fill an abandoned open cast mine. Ground water samples were collected from the periphery of the ash-filled mine, from within the mine property, and a half kilometer away from the site; the pH and concentrations of total dissolved solids, total hardness, Ca, Mg, Cl, SO4, F, K, Cu, Cd, Cr, Fe, Pb, Zn, Mn, and Ni were determined. Concentrations of F and Mn were significantly greater in the ground water collected at the ash-filled mine than in the uncontaminated area, and are potentially a matter of concern. The other parameters were found to be affected but not at problematic levels.