CEN/TS 16229:2011
(Main)Characterization of waste - Sampling and analysis of weak acid dissociable cyanide discharged into tailings ponds
Characterization of waste - Sampling and analysis of weak acid dissociable cyanide discharged into tailings ponds
This CEN Technical Specification specifies methods for sampling and analysis of weak acid dissociable cyanide discharged into tailings ponds.
NOTE The document can be used to support the requirements in the Directive 2006/21/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 15 March 2006 on the management of waste from extractive industries.
Charakterisierung von Abfällen - Probenahme und Analyse von leicht freisetzbaren Cyaniden bei der Einleitung in Absetzteiche
Diese Europäische Technische Spezifikation legt Verfahren für die Probenahme und die Analyse von leicht freisetzbaren Cyaniden fest, die in Absetzteiche eingeleitet werden. ANMERKUNG Das vorliegende Dokument kann zur Unterstützung der Anforderungen genutzt werden, die in der Richtlinie 2006/21/EG des Europäischen Parlaments und des Rates vom 15. März 2006 über die Bewirtschaftung von Abfällen aus der mineralgewinnenden Industrie enthalten sind.
Caractérisation des déchets - Échantillonnage et analyse des cyanures à acide faible dissociable déversés dans des bassins à stériles
La présente Spécification Technique du CEN spécifie des méthodes qui permettent d'échantillonner et
d'analyser le cyanure à acide faible dissociable déversé dans des bassins à stériles.
NOTE Le présent document peut être utilisé pour venir à l’appui des exigences décrites dans la
Directive 2006/21/CE du Parlement Européen et du Conseil du 15 mars 2006 concernant la gestion des déchets de
l'industrie extractive.
Karakterizacija odpadkov - Vzorčenje in analiza lahko sprostljivega cianida iz usedalnikov
Ta evropska tehnična specifikacija določa metode za vzorčenje in analizo lahko sprostljivega cianida, ki se prazni v usedalnike.
OPOMBA: Standard se lahko uporablja za podporo zahtev iz Direktive 2006/21/ES Evropskega parlamenta in Sveta z dne 15. marca 2006 o ravnanju z odpadki iz rudarskih in drugih ekstraktivnih dejavnosti ter o spremembi Direktive 2004/35/ES.
General Information
- Status
- Published
- Publication Date
- 28-Jun-2011
- Technical Committee
- CEN/TC 444 - Environmental characterization
- Drafting Committee
- CEN/TC 444/WG 6 - Cross cutting issues
- Current Stage
- 9093 - Decision to confirm - Review Enquiry
- Start Date
- 25-May-2014
- Completion Date
- 25-May-2014
Overview
CEN/TS 16229:2011 is a European Technical Specification developed by the European Committee for Standardization (CEN) that provides standardized methods for sampling and analysis of weak acid dissociable (WAD) cyanide discharged into tailings ponds. This specification supports compliance with Directive 2006/21/EC, which regulates waste management in extractive industries, particularly focusing on the safe handling and monitoring of cyanide-containing tailings from mining operations. The document ensures reliable characterization of cyanide content in waste, helping minimize environmental and health risks associated with cyanide discharge.
Key Topics
Scope and Purpose: Defines procedures for the sampling and analytical determination of WAD cyanide in tailings pond discharges specifically from extractive industries such as gold mining.
Terminology:
- Tailings Pond: Engineered facility for managing waste slurry resulting from ore processing.
- Weak Acid Dissociable Cyanide: Cyanide forms measurable at pH 4, including hydrocyanic acid and various metal cyanide complexes.
Safety Procedures: Emphasizes stringent safety measures such as use of personal protective equipment, operating in a fume cupboard, and handling samples with care due to cyanide toxicity.
Sampling Guidelines:
- Develop a detailed sampling plan based on EN 14899 specifying sampling locations, methods, frequencies, and sample sizes.
- Sampling should ideally occur at the point of discharge or, if inaccessible, at accessible locations like tailings pipelines or cyanide destruction tanks.
- Methods to ensure representative sampling considering steady or variable plant operating conditions.
- Proper on-site sample handling, including pH adjustment to ≥10 using sodium hydroxide and storage conditions to preserve sample integrity.
Sample Pretreatment and Analysis:
- Filtration protocols using cellulose or glass fiber to remove solids which may interfere with cyanide analysis.
- Removal of oxidizing agents (e.g., hydrogen peroxide) and sulfides using chemical reducers before laboratory analysis.
- Analytical methods aligned with EN ISO 14403 and ISO 6703-2 for determination of total and free cyanide fractions.
Documentation:
- Detailed record-keeping including sampling conditions, chain of custody, and observations during sampling and transport.
- Test reporting according to specified formats to ensure traceability and regulatory compliance.
Applications
Mining and Extractive Industries: Enables operators to regularly monitor weak acid dissociable cyanide concentration in tailings pond discharges, ensuring environmental protection and adherence to regulatory limits prescribed by Directive 2006/21/EC.
Environmental Monitoring: Supports regulators and environmental agencies by providing standardized methods for assessing cyanide pollution risks in aquatic environments adjacent to mining sites.
Waste Management Compliance: Assists companies in maintaining permits and meeting best available technique (BAT) standards in cyanide waste detoxification and discharge.
Health and Safety: Minimizes occupational exposure risks by mandating safety protocols during sampling and testing of toxic cyanide compounds.
Related Standards
EN 14899: Framework for preparing and applying sampling plans for waste materials, crucial for structuring WAD cyanide sampling programs.
EN ISO 14403: Provides validated methods for the determination of total and free cyanide in water by continuous flow analysis, supporting analytical accuracy.
ISO 6703-2: Specifies the determination of easily liberatable (weak acid dissociable) cyanide in water quality assessments, underpinning chemistry definitions used in this standard.
Directive 2006/21/EC: European Union directive on mining waste management, defining regulatory limits and environmental safety goals for cyanide in extractive industry waste.
By following the specifications in CEN/TS 16229:2011, mining operators and environmental professionals can standardize sampling and analysis processes for weak acid dissociable cyanide, ensuring reliable data generation that supports environmental compliance, operational safety, and sustainable resource extraction.
Frequently Asked Questions
CEN/TS 16229:2011 is a technical specification published by the European Committee for Standardization (CEN). Its full title is "Characterization of waste - Sampling and analysis of weak acid dissociable cyanide discharged into tailings ponds". This standard covers: This CEN Technical Specification specifies methods for sampling and analysis of weak acid dissociable cyanide discharged into tailings ponds. NOTE The document can be used to support the requirements in the Directive 2006/21/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 15 March 2006 on the management of waste from extractive industries.
This CEN Technical Specification specifies methods for sampling and analysis of weak acid dissociable cyanide discharged into tailings ponds. NOTE The document can be used to support the requirements in the Directive 2006/21/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 15 March 2006 on the management of waste from extractive industries.
CEN/TS 16229:2011 is classified under the following ICS (International Classification for Standards) categories: 13.030.40 - Installations and equipment for waste disposal and treatment. The ICS classification helps identify the subject area and facilitates finding related standards.
CEN/TS 16229:2011 is associated with the following European legislation: Standardization Mandates: M/395. When a standard is cited in the Official Journal of the European Union, products manufactured in conformity with it benefit from a presumption of conformity with the essential requirements of the corresponding EU directive or regulation.
You can purchase CEN/TS 16229:2011 directly from iTeh Standards. The document is available in PDF format and is delivered instantly after payment. Add the standard to your cart and complete the secure checkout process. iTeh Standards is an authorized distributor of CEN standards.
Standards Content (Sample)
SLOVENSKI STANDARD
01-februar-2012
.DUDNWHUL]DFLMDRGSDGNRY9]RUþHQMHLQDQDOL]DODKNRVSURVWOMLYHJDFLDQLGDL]
XVHGDOQLNRY
Characterization of waste - Sampling and analysis of weak acid dissociable cyanide
discharged into tailings ponds
Charakterisierung von Abfällen - Probenahme und Analyse von mit schwachen Säuren
freisetzbare Cyanide bei der Einleitung in Absetzteiche
Caractérisation des déchets - Échantillonnage et analyse des cyanures à acide faible
dissociable déversés dans des bassins à stériles
Ta slovenski standard je istoveten z: CEN/TS 16229:2011
ICS:
13.030.01 Odpadki na splošno Wastes in general
2003-01.Slovenski inštitut za standardizacijo. Razmnoževanje celote ali delov tega standarda ni dovoljeno.
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATION
CEN/TS 16229
SPÉCIFICATION TECHNIQUE
TECHNISCHE SPEZIFIKATION
June 2011
ICS 13.030.40
English Version
Characterization of waste - Sampling and analysis of weak acid
dissociable cyanide discharged into tailings ponds
Caractérisation des déchets - Échantillonnage et analyse Charakterisierung von Abfällen - Probenahme und Analyse
des cyanures à acide faible dissociable déversés dans des von mit schwachen Säuren freisetzbare Cyaniden bei der
bassins à stériles Einleitung in Absetzteiche
This Technical Specification (CEN/TS) was approved by CEN on 14 May 2011 for provisional application.
The period of validity of this CEN/TS is limited initially to three years. After two years the members of CEN will be requested to submit their
comments, particularly on the question whether the CEN/TS can be converted into a European Standard.
CEN members are required to announce the existence of this CEN/TS in the same way as for an EN and to make the CEN/TS available
promptly at national level in an appropriate form. It is permissible to keep conflicting national standards in force (in parallel to the CEN/TS)
until the final decision about the possible conversion of the CEN/TS into an EN is reached.
CEN members are the national standards bodies of Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia,
Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland,
Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland and United Kingdom.
EUROPEAN COMMITTEE FOR STANDARDIZATION
COMITÉ EUROPÉEN DE NORMALISATION
EUROPÄISCHES KOMITEE FÜR NORMUNG
Management Centre: Avenue Marnix 17, B-1000 Brussels
© 2011 CEN All rights of exploitation in any form and by any means reserved Ref. No. CEN/TS 16229:2011: E
worldwide for CEN national Members.
Contents Page
Foreword .3
Introduction .4
1 Scope .5
2 Normative references .5
3 Terms and definitions .5
4 Safety procedures.6
5 Apparatus and reagents .6
5.1 Apparatus .6
5.2 Reagents .6
6 Sampling procedures .6
6.1 General .6
6.2 Sampling plan .7
6.3 Choice of the sampling location .7
6.3.1 General .7
6.3.2 Slurry sampling at the pipeline .7
6.3.3 Slurry sampling at the destruction tank .7
6.4 Sample handling in field .7
6.5 Documentation .8
7 Sample pretreatment .8
7.1 pH - check .8
7.2 Filtration .8
7.3 Removal of oxidizing matter and sulfides .8
7.4 Composite samples .8
8 Analytical step .9
8.1 General .9
8.2 Analytical procedure .9
9 Test report .9
Bibliography . 10
Foreword
This document (CEN/TS 16229:2011) has been prepared by Technical Committee CEN/TC 292
“Characterization of waste”, the secretariat of which is held by NEN.
This document has been prepared under a mandate given to CEN by the European Commission and the
European Free Trade Association, (Mandate M/395), which assigned the development of standards on the
characterization of waste from extractive industries
Attention is drawn to the possibility that some of the elements of this document may be the subject of patent
rights. CEN [and/or CENELEC] shall not be held responsible for identifying any or all such patent rights.
According to the CEN/CENELEC Internal Regulations, the national standards organizations of the following
countries are bound to announce this Technical Specification: Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus,
Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy,
Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia,
Spain, Sweden, Switzerland and the United Kingdom
Introduction
As gold typically occurs at very low concentrations it is often extracted from the ore using a cyanide leaching
process. The waste from which the gold was removed is referred to as residue or tailings material. Tailings,
usually slurry, are pumped to a pond after treatment with for example hydrogen peroxide or sulfur dioxide to
destroy cyanides.
In “Directive 2006/21/EC on the management of waste from extractive industries” [1] the following is
addressed in Article 13; no.6:
In the case of a pond involving the presence of cyanide, the operator shall ensure that the concentration of
weak acid dissociable cyanide in the pond is reduced to the lowest possible level using best available
techniques and, in any case, at waste facilities which have previously been granted a permit or have already
been in operation on 1 May 2008 that the concentration of weak acid dissociable cyanide at the point of
discharge of the tailings from the processing plant into the pond does not exceed 50 ppm as from 1 May 2008,
25 ppm as from 1 May 2013, 10 ppm as from 1 May 2018 and 10 ppm at waste facilities which are granted a
permit after 1 May 2008.
Methods for sampling and analysis have been selected to ensure the aim of this directive. Methods described
here are either EN or ISO standards with consideration of the Cyanide Code [2].
1 Scope
This CEN Technical Specification specifies methods for sampling and analysis of weak acid dissociable
cyanide discharged into tailings ponds.
NOTE The document can be used to support the requirements in the Directive 2006/21/EC of the European
Parliament and of the Council of 15 March 2006 on the management of waste from extractive industries.
2 Normative references
The following referenced documents are indispensable for the application of this document. For dated
references, only the edition cited applies. For undated references, the latest edition of the referenced
document (including any amendments) applies.
EN 14899, Characterization of waste – Sampling of waste materials – Framework for the preparation and
application of a Sampling Plan
EN ISO 14403, Water quality – Determination of total cyanide and free cyanide by continuous flow analysis
(ISO 14403:2002)
ISO 6703-2, Water quality – Determination of cyanide – Part 2: Determination of easily liberatable cyanide
3 Terms and definitions
3.1
tailings pond
engineered facility for managing tailings resulting from ore processing and for clearing and recycling of
process water
NOTE Tailings ponds are most of the times formed by a dam construction. They mainly contain tailings along with
varying amounts of free water [3].
3.2
cyanide
chemical compound that contains the cyano group (C≡N), occurs either as free cyanide or bound to a metal in
complex form
NOTE Free cyanide is very toxic.
3.3
weak acid dissociable (WAD) cyanide
cyanide from substances with cyanide groups and a measurable hydrocyanic acid vapour pressure at pH = 4
and room temperature.
[ISO 6703-2]
NOTE 1 Such substances include all cyanides which will undergo chlorination, especially hydrocyanic acid, alkali- and
alkali earth metal cyanides, and complex cyanides of zinc, cadmium, silver, copper and nickel. Complex
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