Comparison of Predicted and Actual Water Quality at Hardrock Mines

The reliability of predictions in Environmental Impact Statements

Jim Kuipers, P.E., Ann Maest, PhD, 12/7/2006

View the publication (pdf)

Along with its companion report, Predicting Water Quality at Hardrock Mines: Methods and Models, Uncertainties, and State-of-the-Art, the Comparison Report represent 2 years of unprecedented research.

From the preface:

"The overall purpose of this study is to examine the reliability of pre-mining water quality predictions at hard rock mining operations in the United States. To our knowledge, no effort has previously been made to systematically compare predicted and actual water quality for mines in the U.S. or elsewhere."

Appendicies

Appendix A (pdf)

Appendix B (pdf)

Summary white paper

Both the Comparison Report and the Methods and Models Report are summarized in the accompanying white paper, Predicting Water Quality Problems at Hardrock Mines: a failure of science, oversight, and good practice.

Other documents

All mines considered for inclusion in the Comparsion and Methods and Models reports are included in this 2.5MB excel spreadsheet.

Independent reviewers of the two reports, and conferences where the research was presented are listed here.

The press release associated with the publication of the reports.