An illegal rare earth mine field environment emergency treatment method

By sealing off the site, establishing an emergency pool, and using a neutralization reaction to treat pollution from illegally mined rare earth mines, the problem of incomplete pollution spread control in existing technologies has been solved, achieving rapid sealing and deep purification, and providing a standardized emergency response method.

CN120364826BActive Publication Date: 2026-02-03CHINESE RES ACAD OF ENVIRONMENTAL SCI
View PDF 1 Cites 0 Cited by

Patent Information

Application Number
CN202510463755.3
Authority / Receiving Office
CN · China
Patent Type
Patents(China)
Current Assignee / Owner
Filing Date
2025-04-14
Publication Date
2026-02-03
Estimated Expiration
2045-04-14

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

After illegal mining of rare earths, pollutants enter surrounding water bodies through seepage or rainfall, causing serious exceedances of ammonia nitrogen levels. Existing emergency response measures are systematically inadequate, have delayed responses, and are inefficient in controlling pollution spread, making it difficult to stop the spread of pollution and achieve complete removal.

Method used

By sealing off the accident site, establishing an emergency pool to temporarily store the contaminated water, using quicklime or hydrated lime to neutralize and control the pH value to 6-8, further treating it with sodium hypochlorite or strong oxidants, and finally conducting long-term monitoring and remediation, a standardized process was established.

Benefits of technology

It enables rapid closure of pollution sources, significantly improves pollutant removal efficiency, reduces the risk of secondary pollution, meets emission standards, buys time for subsequent remediation, and provides a scientific and efficient emergency response solution.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

Smart Images

  • Figure CN120364826B_ABST
    Figure CN120364826B_ABST
Patent Text Reader

Abstract

The application discloses an illegal rare earth mine site environment emergency treatment method, and solves the technical problems of lagging treatment and incomplete pollution control in the prior art. The steps include: accident site closure and data collection; accident site early treatment; neutralization treatment of each pollution point; water quality secondary monitoring and evaluation; accident site late treatment; ecological damage identification and long-term supervision. The standardized method established by the application solves the problems of lagging treatment and high environmental damage degree in previous accidents, can assist the management department in rapidly controlling the pollution source and preventing the spread of the polluted water body, and gains valuable time for the next step of comprehensive treatment and repair.
Need to check novelty before this filing date? Find Prior Art

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of mine pollution control technology, specifically to an emergency response method for the on-site environment of illegally mined rare earth mines. Background Technology

[0002] After the illegal mining of rare earth minerals ended, a large amount of water-soluble and exchangeable ammonium ions (NH4+) remained in the mining area. + These pollutants enter surrounding surface and groundwater systems through seepage from mountains or runoff from rainfall, causing severe exceedances of ammonia nitrogen levels in water bodies, threatening the regional ecological environment and the safety of residents' drinking water. Current technologies for emergency response to such sudden pollution events often rely on piecemeal measures, such as localized sealing or simple neutralization, which suffer from systemic deficiencies, delayed responses, and low efficiency in controlling pollution spread. Specifically, this manifests as: incomplete containment of pollution sources, leading to a high risk of secondary leakage; lack of precise measurement in neutralization reactions, resulting in inadequate pollutant removal; and a lack of subsequent monitoring and remediation measures, making it difficult to curb long-term ecological damage. These shortcomings render existing methods ineffective in blocking pollution spread and failing to secure a critical window for environmental remediation, necessitating a standardized, multi-stage, and collaborative emergency response technology system. Summary of the Invention

[0003] The purpose of this invention is to provide an emergency treatment method for the on-site environment of illegally mined rare earth mines, so as to solve the technical problems of outdated treatment methods and incomplete pollution control in the existing technology, and to achieve the goals of quickly sealing off pollution sources, neutralizing pollutants, and long-term monitoring.

[0004] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention provides the following technical solution:

[0005] This invention provides an emergency response method for the on-site environment of illegally mined rare earth mines, comprising the following steps:

[0006] Step 1: Seal off the accident site and collect data: Seal off the area around the illegal mining site, confirm the location of each stage of mining and the surrounding environment, draw a distribution map and formulate an emergency response plan;

[0007] Step 2, Initial handling of the accident site: shut down the illegal mining facilities and seal the seepage points, establish an emergency pool to temporarily store the polluted water, and collect samples from the polluted point and surrounding water bodies for preliminary assessment;

[0008] Step 3, Neutralization treatment of each pollution point: Based on the concentration of ammonium ions in the solution of each pollution point, calculate and add quicklime or hydrated lime to carry out the neutralization reaction, control the pH value to 6-8, and let it stand to precipitate;

[0009] Step 4: Secondary water quality monitoring and evaluation: Conduct secondary sampling and monitoring of the neutralized water to evaluate the treatment effect;

[0010] Step 5: Post-accident site handling: dismantle illegal mining facilities and seal the injection port. Add sodium hypochlorite or strong oxidant according to the ammonia nitrogen concentration for further treatment. Discharge or bury after reaching the standard.

[0011] Step 6, Ecological Damage Assessment and Long-Term Monitoring: Conduct ecological damage assessment, formulate restoration measures, and carry out long-term monitoring of the pollution site and surrounding water bodies.

[0012] Furthermore, step 1 specifically includes the following steps:

[0013] Step 11: Establish a cordon around the site of the illegal rare earth mining operation;

[0014] Step 12: Confirm the location, scale, and pipeline route of each stage of the illegal mining site; investigate the distribution, flow direction, and flow rate of surrounding ditches, streams, rivers, and surface water bodies; investigate whether there are drinking water sources or wells in the surrounding area; investigate the distribution of surrounding villages and the number of permanent residents.

[0015] Step 13: Draw a detailed distribution map based on the above information and formulate an on-site emergency response plan.

[0016] Furthermore, the mining site includes raw material storage, chemical mixing tank, chemical reagent tank, collection tank, ore washing sedimentation tank, and sludge storage tank.

[0017] Furthermore, step 2 specifically includes the following steps:

[0018] Step 21: All stages of illegal mining must be shut down, and any leaks in the surrounding area must be sealed and reinforced in a timely manner to prevent external discharge; nearby water bodies must be suspended from use.

[0019] Step 22: Use natural ditches or low-lying areas as emergency pools. Line the pools with impermeable membranes and introduce the remaining rare earth leachate from the mountain and the existing water in the collection pools into the emergency pools for temporary storage. Alternatively, seal the collection pools as temporary emergency pools to ensure that polluted water is not discharged.

[0020] Step 23: Collect water samples from various pollution sites of illegal mining, as well as surface water and groundwater samples, and monitor indicators such as ammonia nitrogen, total phosphorus, permanganate index, and suspended solids to conduct a preliminary assessment of the pollution situation.

[0021] Furthermore, in step 3, the neutralization reaction is carried out according to the total molar ratio of NH4 + The ratio of Ca to 2:1 is used to calculate the required amount of quicklime or hydrated lime. NH4 + The mass is calculated using the following formula:

[0022]

[0023] In the formula, W is NH4 + Mass, mg; Ci NH4 pollution point + Concentration, mg / L; V i The volume is L, representing the volume of the solution.

[0024] Furthermore, step 5 specifically includes the following steps:

[0025] Step 51: All pipelines in all stages of illegal mining are dismantled, all injection ports on the mountain top and leachate collection ports at the foot of the mountain are sealed, and the area is backfilled with soil.

[0026] Step 52: When the ammonia nitrogen concentration at the pollution point drops to 20-30 mg / L, sodium hypochlorite is added to further remove pollutants. When the ammonia nitrogen concentration drops below 15 mg / L, the supernatant is discharged into the surrounding open space for disposal, and after sedimentation and drying, it is buried for treatment. When the ammonia nitrogen concentration at the pollution point is high and cannot be completely neutralized, a strong oxidant, magnesium ammonium phosphate, is added to remove ammonia nitrogen. The supernatant is discharged into the surrounding open space for disposal, and after sedimentation and drying, it is buried for treatment.

[0027] Step 53: The nearby water bodies are used after the water quality is monitored and found to meet the standards.

[0028] Furthermore, in step 6, long-term monitoring includes sampling and monitoring the surface water and groundwater around the pollution point at least once a month, and taking remedial measures based on the results.

[0029] Based on the above technical solution, the embodiments of the present invention can produce at least the following technical effects:

[0030] This invention provides an emergency response method for illegal rare earth mining sites. By establishing a standardized approach, it addresses the problems of delayed response and high levels of environmental damage encountered in previous incidents. It assists management departments in quickly controlling pollution sources, preventing the spread of polluted water, and buying valuable time for comprehensive remediation. Firstly, by sealing the site, plugging leaks, and constructing emergency pools, further spread of polluted water is effectively prevented, creating a critical time window for subsequent treatment and reducing the scope of environmental damage. Secondly, based on quantitative calculations of ammonium ion concentration, quicklime or hydrated lime is used for neutralization, ensuring the pH value remains stable within the range of 6-8, significantly improving pollutant removal efficiency and reducing the risk of secondary pollution. Finally, secondary treatment with a strong oxidant reduces the ammonia nitrogen concentration to below 15 mg / L, achieving deep purification of the polluted water and meeting discharge or safe disposal requirements. This provides a replicable standardized process applicable to pollution incidents from illegal rare earth mining of different scales, offering management departments a scientific and efficient emergency response solution. Attached Figure Description

[0031] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention or the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of the present invention. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on the structures shown in these drawings without creative effort.

[0032] Figure 1 This is a flowchart illustrating an embodiment of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0033] The technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below. Obviously, the described embodiments are only a part of the embodiments of the present invention, and not all of them. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention. In addition, the technical solutions of the various embodiments can be combined with each other, but this must be based on the ability of those skilled in the art to implement them. When the combination of technical solutions is contradictory or cannot be implemented, it should be considered that such combination of technical solutions does not exist and is not within the scope of protection claimed by the present invention.

[0034] The following is in conjunction with the appendix Figure 1 This embodiment describes an emergency response method for the on-site environment of an illegally mined rare earth mine, comprising the following steps:

[0035] Step 1: Seal off the accident site and collect data: Seal off the area around the illegal mining site, confirm the location of each stage of the mining process and the surrounding environment, draw a distribution map and formulate an emergency response plan.

[0036] Step 1 specifically includes the following steps:

[0037] Step 11: Set up a fence around the site of the illegal rare earth mining operation to prevent unauthorized personnel from entering and to prevent the spread of pollution and secondary damage;

[0038] Step 12: Confirm the location, scale, and pipeline routes of all aspects of the illegal mining site (raw material warehouse, mixing pool, reagent pool, collection pool, ore washing sedimentation pool, and sludge storage pool); investigate the distribution, flow direction, and flow rate of surrounding ditches, streams, rivers, and surface water bodies, and mark potential pollution paths; investigate whether there are drinking water sources or wells in the surrounding area; investigate the distribution of surrounding villages and the number of permanent residents, and assess the risk of pollution impact on residents;

[0039] Step 13: Draw a detailed pollution point distribution map based on the collected information, identify the location of pollution sources and the spread range, and formulate an on-site emergency response plan.

[0040] Step 2, Initial handling of the accident site: shut down the illegal mining facilities and seal the seepage points, establish an emergency pool to temporarily store the polluted water, and collect samples from the polluted point and surrounding water bodies for preliminary assessment.

[0041] Step 2 specifically includes the following steps:

[0042] Step 21: All mining facilities (such as injection pumps, collection pool valves, etc.) at each stage of illegal mining shall be shut down, and any leaks in the surrounding area shall be sealed and reinforced in a timely manner to prevent external discharge; any nearby water bodies used for irrigation, drinking or other purposes shall be suspended from use.

[0043] Step 22: Use natural ditches or low-lying areas as emergency pools. Line the pools with impermeable membranes to prevent contamination from seeping into the soil. Introduce any remaining rare earth leachate from the mountain and the existing water in the collection pool into the emergency pool for temporary storage. If conditions are limited, seal the collection pool as a temporary emergency pool to ensure that the contaminated water is not discharged.

[0044] Step 23: Collect water samples from various pollution points of illegal mining, as well as surface water (upstream, downstream 100 meters, downstream 500 meters, downstream 1000 meters, downstream 5000 meters) and groundwater (surrounding well water) samples, monitor indicators such as ammonia nitrogen, total phosphorus, permanganate index, and suspended solids, and conduct a preliminary assessment of the pollution situation.

[0045] Step 3: Neutralization treatment of each pollution point: Based on the concentration of ammonium ions in the solution of each pollution point, calculate and add quicklime or hydrated lime to carry out the neutralization reaction, control the pH value to 6-8, and let it stand to precipitate.

[0046] Specifically, based on the solution volume and NH4 content in the pool at each pollution point... + Calculate the required amount of quicklime (or hydrated lime) for neutralization based on the concentration, adding it in small, multiple batches. Thoroughly mix the solutions in each tank using aeration or mechanical stirring, and allow to stand for 24 hours to allow for complete sedimentation. During operation, be cautious of the exothermic chemical reaction and pay attention to personal safety. Monitor the pH value regularly using rapid pH test paper, maintaining it between 6 and 8. Calculation formula:

[0047]

[0048] In the formula, W is NH4 + Mass, mg; C i NH4 pollution point + Concentration, mg / L; V i The volume is L, representing the volume of the solution.

[0049] According to the total molar ratio NH4 + The ratio of Ca to 2:1 is used to calculate the required amount of quicklime or hydrated lime.

[0050] The reaction equations are: Ca(OH)2+(NH4)2SO4=CaSO4+2NH3+2H2O or CaO+(NH4)2SO4=CaSO4+2NH3+H2O.

[0051] Step 4: Secondary Water Quality Monitoring and Assessment: The neutralized water body will be sampled and monitored a second time to detect ammonia nitrogen concentration. If NH4... + If the concentration is <30 mg / L and other indicators meet the standards, proceed to the later stage of processing; if the standards are not met, the amount of neutralizing agent needs to be readjusted or the reaction time needs to be extended.

[0052] Step 5: Post-accident site handling: Dismantle illegal mining facilities and seal the injection port. Add sodium hypochlorite or strong oxidant according to the ammonia nitrogen concentration for further treatment. Discharge or bury the waste after it meets the standards.

[0053] Step 5 specifically includes the following steps:

[0054] Step 51: All pipelines in all stages of illegal mining are dismantled, all injection ports on the mountain top and leachate collection ports at the foot of the mountain are sealed, and the area is backfilled with soil.

[0055] Step 52: When the ammonia nitrogen concentration at the pollution point drops to 20-30 mg / L, sodium hypochlorite is added to further remove pollutants. When the ammonia nitrogen concentration drops below 15 mg / L, the supernatant is discharged into the surrounding open space for disposal, and after sedimentation and drying, it is buried for treatment. When the ammonia nitrogen concentration at the pollution point is high and cannot be completely neutralized, a strong oxidant, magnesium ammonium phosphate, is added to remove ammonia nitrogen. The supernatant is discharged into the surrounding open space for disposal, and after sedimentation and drying, it is buried for treatment.

[0056] Step 53: If there are nearby water bodies used for irrigation, drinking, or other purposes, they can be used after the water quality has been monitored and found to meet the standards.

[0057] Step 6, Ecological Damage Assessment and Long-Term Monitoring: Conduct ecological damage assessment, formulate restoration measures, and carry out long-term monitoring of the pollution site and surrounding water bodies.

[0058] Specifically, ecological damage assessments will be conducted to evaluate the ecological and environmental impacts of illegal mining and propose environmental remediation measures. Long-term monitoring will be implemented, with monthly sampling and monitoring of surface water and groundwater at each pollution site and surrounding areas to promptly understand the water pollution situation and take appropriate measures to ensure the local ecological environment and public health and safety.

[0059] The foregoing has shown and described the basic principles, main features, and advantages of the present invention. Those skilled in the art should understand that the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments. The embodiments and descriptions in the specification are merely illustrative of the principles of the invention. Various changes and modifications can be made to the invention without departing from its spirit and scope, and all such changes and modifications fall within the scope of the present invention as claimed. The scope of protection of this invention is defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A method for emergency response to the environment at the site of illegal rare earth mining, characterized in that, Includes the following steps: Step 1: Seal off the accident site and collect data: Seal off the area around the illegal mining site, confirm the location of each stage of mining and the surrounding environment, draw a distribution map and formulate an emergency response plan; Step 2, Initial handling of the accident site: shut down the illegal mining facilities and seal the seepage points, establish an emergency pool to temporarily store the polluted water, and collect samples from the polluted point and surrounding water bodies for preliminary assessment; Step 3, Neutralization treatment of each pollution point: Based on the concentration of ammonium ions in the solution of each pollution point, calculate and add quicklime or hydrated lime to carry out the neutralization reaction, control the pH value to 6-8, and let it stand to precipitate; The neutralization reaction is carried out according to the total molar ratio of NH4 + The ratio of Ca to 2:1 is used to calculate the required amount of quicklime or hydrated lime. NH4 + The mass is calculated using the following formula: , In the formula, W is NH4 + Mass, mg; C i NH4 pollution point + Concentration, mg / L; V i The volume of the solution is in liters (L). Step 4: Secondary water quality monitoring and evaluation: Conduct secondary sampling and monitoring of the neutralized water to evaluate the treatment effect; Step 5: Post-accident site handling: dismantle illegal mining facilities and seal the injection port. Add sodium hypochlorite or magnesium ammonium phosphate for further treatment according to the ammonia nitrogen concentration. Discharge or bury after reaching the standard. Step 5 specifically includes the following steps: Step 51: All pipelines in all stages of illegal mining are dismantled, all injection ports on the mountain top and leachate collection ports at the foot of the mountain are sealed, and the area is backfilled with soil. Step 52: When the ammonia nitrogen concentration at the pollution point drops to 20-30 mg / L, sodium hypochlorite is added to further remove pollutants. When the ammonia nitrogen concentration drops below 15 mg / L, the supernatant is discharged into the surrounding open space for disposal, and after sedimentation and drying, it is buried for treatment. When the ammonia nitrogen concentration at the pollution point is high and cannot be completely neutralized, magnesium ammonium phosphate is added to remove ammonia nitrogen. The supernatant is discharged into the surrounding open space for disposal, and after sedimentation and drying, it is buried for treatment. Step 53: The nearby water bodies are used after the water quality is monitored and found to meet the standards; Step 6, Ecological Damage Assessment and Long-Term Monitoring: Conduct ecological damage assessment, formulate restoration measures, and carry out long-term monitoring of the pollution site and surrounding water bodies.

2. The emergency response method for the on-site environment of illegally mined rare earth mines according to claim 1, characterized in that, Step 1 specifically includes the following steps: Step 11: Establish a cordon around the site of the illegal rare earth mining operation; Step 12: Confirm the location, scale, and pipeline route of each stage of the illegal mining site; investigate the distribution, flow direction, and flow rate of surrounding ditches, streams, rivers, and surface water bodies; investigate whether there are drinking water sources or wells in the surrounding area; investigate the distribution of surrounding villages and the number of permanent residents. Step 13: Draw a detailed distribution map based on the above information and formulate an on-site emergency response plan.

3. The emergency response method for illegal rare earth mining site environment as described in claim 2, characterized in that, The mining site includes raw material storage, chemical mixing tank, chemical reagent tank, collection tank, ore washing sedimentation tank, and sludge storage tank.

4. The emergency response method for the on-site environment of illegally mined rare earth mines according to claim 1, characterized in that, Step 2 specifically includes the following steps: Step 21: All stages of illegal mining must be shut down, and any leaks in the surrounding area must be sealed and reinforced in a timely manner to prevent external discharge; nearby water bodies must be suspended from use. Step 22: Use natural ditches or low-lying areas as emergency pools. Line the pools with impermeable membranes and introduce the remaining rare earth leachate from the mountain and the existing water in the collection pools into the emergency pools for temporary storage. Alternatively, seal the collection pools as temporary emergency pools to ensure that polluted water is not discharged. Step 23: Collect water samples from various pollution sites of illegal mining, as well as surface water and groundwater samples, and monitor indicators such as ammonia nitrogen, total phosphorus, permanganate index, and suspended solids to conduct a preliminary assessment of the pollution situation.

5. The emergency response method for the on-site environment of illegally mined rare earth mines according to claim 1, characterized in that, In step 6, long-term monitoring includes sampling and monitoring the surface water and groundwater around the pollution point at least once a month, and taking remedial measures based on the results.

Citation Information

Patent Citations

  • Method for restoring ionic rare earth ore ammonium salt leaching site

    CN113369291A