Prediction of acid mine drainage generation potential of various lithologies using static tests: Etili coal mine (NW Turkey) as a case study

The Etili neighborhood in Can County (northwestern Turkey) has significant coal reserves and has been the site of numerous mining operations since the 1980s, leading to serious environmental issues, notably acid mine drainage (AMD). This study aims to evaluate the acid generation potential of different lithological units at the Etili coal mine using static test methods. Seventeen samples were collected from high acidic water concentration areas, including volcanic rocks, sedimentary rocks, coals, and mine wastes. Static tests, including paste pH, standard acid–base accounting, and net acid generation tests, were conducted on these samples. The results from the static tests consistently indicated that the oxidation of sulfide minerals, particularly pyrite, found in volcanic rock alteration zones, coals, and mine wastes is the primary factor influencing AMD generation in this mine. Furthermore, the absence of carbonate minerals in the region exacerbates the AMD occurrence. This study highlights the need for effective management strategies in coal mining areas to mitigate environmental degradation due to AMD.