Alyssa Lait

My research focuses on numerical modeling to simulate acid rock drainage (ARD) in pyrrhotite rich mine tailings under permafrost conditions. Even at northern mine sites where reaction rates are low for waste sulfide minerals, it is still important to evaluate potential impacts rising global temperatures will have on mine waste facilities currently operating in ecologically sensitive environments. Further research will focus on modeling the feasibility of insulation covers for preventing thaw and reaction triggered ARD, since sulfide oxidation is typically exothermic.