The Global Acid Rock Drainage Guide (GARD Guide)

The International Network for Acid Prevention (INAP) has consolidated relevant information and produced a global acid rock drainage (ARD) guide (GARD Guide) that summarizes the best technical and management practices for industry and stakeholder use. The Guide provides a structured system to identify proven techniques for characterization, prediction, monitoring, treatment, prevention, and management of ARD. It will help industry to provide high levels of environmental protection, support government efforts in assessing and regulating mine reclamation, and enable the public to gain a higher degree of understanding of acid prevention plans and practices. This paper describes the organization and content of the internet-based GARD Guide. ARD management strategies are outlined to show GARD Guide principles in practice. Finally, the path forward for the GARD Guide is presented.