IMWA - International Mine Water Association

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Home IMWA Awards Best Student Presentation

Best Student Presentation

IMWA wants to attract young scientists and engineers into the field of mine water management. Therefore, IMWA will award a cash prize to the best technical paper written and presented by a student at an IMWA Congress or Symposium. Students from around the world are invited to participate.

Cash prizes of 1,500 euros (1st prize) and 500 euros (2nd prize) will be awarded to a full-time student, based on the quality of the written paper and the oral presentation, as judged by the conference participates. Students must confirm their status as a full-time student when they submit their papers. Presenters must provide a letter from their university confirming their status and contact details.

The award will be presented at the IMWA conference, and the student needs to be the first author and presenter. During the conference, the Organising Committee will ensure that all eligible papers are presented on time. IMWA hopes that this award will encourage young students and researchers from around the world to write and present a good paper for an IMWA conference.

Award Winners

2024

1st prize Laura Nina Bettoni

PDF Bettoni, Laura Nina; Herbert, Roger (2024): Sulfate removal from mine drainage at low temperature: effects of three reactive porous media on microbial sulfate reduction. – In: Kleinmann, B., Skousen, J., Wolkersdorfer, Ch.: West Virginia Mine Drainage Task Force Symposium & 15th International Mine Water Association Congress. – p. 50 – 56; Morgantown, WV, USA (International Mine Water Association).

2nd prize Hernan Flores

PDFFlores, Hernan; Reker, Bastian; Pawlik, Marcin; Haske, Benjamin; Rudolph, Tobias (2024): Hyperspectral UAS-sensing for tailing ponds monitoring: Towards responsible resource repurposing. – In: Kleinmann, B., Skousen, J., Wolkersdorfer, Ch.: West Virginia Mine Drainage Task Force Symposium & 15th International Mine Water Association Congress. – p. 196 – 202; Morgantown, WV, USA (International Mine Water Association).

2023

1st prize Dileesha Jayahansani Kotte Hewa

PDFKotte Hewa, Dileesha Jayahansani; Durce, Delphine; Salah, Sonia; Smolders, Erik (2023): Rare Earth Elements Association with Predominant Elements in Solids Precipitated during Alkalinization of Acid Mine Water. Paper presented at the IMWA 2023 – Y Dyfodol | The Future, Newport, Wales, UK. – p. 196 – 202;  (International Mine Water Association).

2nd prize Vimbainashe L. Dzimbanhete

PDFDzimbanhete, Vimbainashe L; Hegg, Frej; Alakangas, Lena; Karlsson, Torbjörn; Peinerud, Elsa; Paulsson, Oscar; Aiglsperger, Thomas (2023): Uranium Sources And Mobility At An Iron Ore Mine Site In Northern Sweden. Paper presented at the IMWA 2023 – Y Dyfodol | The Future, Newport, Wales, UK. – p. 148 – 153;  (International Mine Water Association).

3nd prize Dayton Dorman

PDFDorman, Dayton M; Nairn, Robert W (2023): Effect of Time and Mineralogy on Sorption Capacity of Mine Drainage Passive Treatment Residuals: Is Sustainable Reuse Possible? Paper presented at the IMWA 2023 – Y Dyfodol | The Future, Newport, Wales, UK. – p. 142 – 147;  (International Mine Water Association).

2022

1st prize Aaron Martin Lawrence Todd

PDFTodd, Aaron Martin Lawrence; Robertson, Iain; Walsh, Rory P.D.; Byrne, Patrick; Edwards, Paul; Williams, Tom (2022): Using Tracer Injection and Synoptic Sampling, and Salt Dilution Flow to Gauge Metal Fluxes in a Temperate Watershed in the UK. Paper presented at the IMWA 2022 – Reconnect, Christchurch, New Zealand. – p. 497 – 502;  (International Mine Water Association).

2nd prize Devmi Kurukulasuriya

PDFKurukulasuriya, Devmi; Howcroft, William; Meredith, Karina; Timms, Wendy (2022): The Conundrum of Incongruent Multiple Age Tracer Results in Mine Water. Paper presented at the IMWA 2022 – Reconnect, Christchurch, New Zealand. – p. 195 – 200;  (International Mine Water Association).

2021

1st prize Melisa Alejandra Isgró

PDFIsgró, Melisa Alejandra; Basallote, María Dolores; Barbero, Luis (2021): Prediction Of Water Quality Parameters Using Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Multispectral Imagery In Acidic Water Bodies In The Iberian Pyrite Belt (Tharsis, SW Spain). – In: Stanley, P.; Wolkersdorfer, Ch.; Wolkersdorfer, K.: Mine Water Management for Future Generations. – p. 200 – 205; Cardiff, Wales, United Kingdom (Natural Resources Wales, The Coal Authority, Welsh Government, Cardiff University).

2nd prize Elke Mugova

PDFMugova, Elke; Wolkersdorfer, Christian (2021): Dewatering, Flooding and Stratification of Nikolaus-Bader small-scale Gold Mining Shaft in Austria. – In: Stanley, P.; Wolkersdorfer, Ch.; Wolkersdorfer, K.: Mine Water Management for Future Generations. – p. 393 – 397; Cardiff, Wales, United Kingdom (Natural Resources Wales, The Coal Authority, Welsh Government, Cardiff University).

3nd prize Aaron Martin Lawrence Todd (Brown)

PDFTodd, Aaron M.L.; Robertson, Iain; Walsh, Rory P.D.; Byrne, Patrick; Edwards, Paul; Williams, Tom (2021): Source Apportionment of Trace Metals at the Abandoned Nantymwyn Lead-Zinc Mine, Wales. – In: Stanley, P.; Wolkersdorfer, Ch.; Wolkersdorfer, K.: Mine Water Management for Future Generations. – p. 563 – 568; Cardiff, Wales, United Kingdom (Natural Resources Wales, The Coal Authority, Welsh Government, Cardiff University).

2019

1st prize Tamlyn Sasha Naidu

PDFNaidu, Tamlyn Sasha; Van Dyk, Lizelle Doreen; Sheridan, Craig Michael; Higginson, Antony (2019): Acid Mine Drainage Pilot Remediation System using Waste Products from the Steel Manufacturing and Sugar Industries. – In: Khayrulina, E.; Wolkersdorfer, Ch.; Polyakova, S.; Bogush, A.: Mine Water – Technological and Ecological Challenges. – p. 121 – 127; Perm, Russia (Perm State University).

2nd prize Alireza Arab

PDFArab, Alireza; Merkel, Broder (2019): Heat and Mineral Mining by adding CO2 to Deep Groundwater. – In: Khayrulina, E.; Wolkersdorfer, Ch.; Polyakova, S.; Bogush, A.: Mine Water – Technological and Ecological Challenges. – p. 403 – 409; Perm, Russia (Perm State University).

2018

1st prize Patrizia Onnis

PDFOnnis, Patrizia; Byrne, Patrick; Hudson-Edwards, Karen A.; Stott, Tim; Hunt, Christopher (2018): Source Apportionment of Trace Metals Over a Range of Stream Flows Using a Multi-method Tracer Approach. – In: Wolkersdorfer, Ch.; Sartz, L.; Weber, A.; Burgess, J. & Tremblay, G.: Mine Water – Risk to Opportunity (Vol II). – p. 843 – 849; Pretoria, South Africa (Tshwane University of Technology).

2nd prize Donald Mjonono

PDFMjonono, Donald; Harrison, Sue; Kotsiopoulos, Athanasios (2018): Development Of Co-Disposal Methods For Fine Coal Waste and Coal Discards To Facilitate The Prevention Of Acid Mine Drainage. – In: Wolkersdorfer, Ch.; Sartz, L.; Weber, A.; Burgess, J. & Tremblay, G.: Mine Water – Risk to Opportunity (Vol I). – p. 541 – 548; Pretoria, South Africa (Tshwane University of Technology).

Best Poster Award Musah Salifu

PDFSalifu, Musah; Alakangas, Lena; Martinsson, Olof; Billström, Kjell; Ingri, Johan; Dold, Bernhard (2018): Sr/Ca and 87Sr/86Sr: A Tracer For Geochemical Process In Mine Wastes. – In: Wolkersdorfer, Ch.; Sartz, L.; Weber, A.; Burgess, J. & Tremblay, G.: Mine Water – Risk to Opportunity (Vol II). – p. 723 – 729; Pretoria, South Africa (Tshwane University of Technology).

2017

1st prize Elsa Nyström

PDFNyström, Elsa; Kaasalainen, Hanna; Alakangas, Lena (2017): Prevention of Sulfide Oxidation in Waste Rock using By-products and Industrial Remnants, a Suitability Study. – In: Wolkersdorfer, C.; Sartz, L.; Sillanpää, M. & Häkkinen, A.: Mine Water & Circular Economy (Vol II). – p. 1170 – 1178; Lappeenranta, Finland (Lappeenranta University of Technology).

2nd prize Malibongwe Shadrach Manono

PDFManono, Malibongwe Shadrach; Matibidi, K.; Thubakgale, C.K.; Corin, K.C.; Wiese, J.G. (2017): Water Quality in PGM Ore Flotation: The effect of Ionic Strength and pH. – In: Wolkersdorfer, C.; Sartz, L.; Sillanpää, M. & Häkkinen, A.: Mine Water & Circular Economy (Vol II). – p. 777 – 785; Lappeenranta, Finland (Lappeenranta University of Technology).

Best Student Paper Thitiphan Assawincharoenkij

PDFAssawincharoenkij, Thitiphan; Hauzenberger, Christoph; Sutthirat, Chakkaphan (2017): Mineralogical and Geochemical Characteristics of Tailings and Waste Rocks from a Gold Mine in Northeastern Thailand. – In: Wolkersdorfer, C.; Sartz, L.; Sillanpää, M. & Häkkinen, A.: Mine Water & Circular Economy (Vol II). – p. 1277 – 1279; Lappeenranta, Finland (Lappeenranta University of Technology).

2016

1st prize Lidia Fernandez-Rojo | Michael Gordon Sephton | Josepha Zielke-Olivier

PDFZielke-Olivier, Josepha; Vermeulen, D. (2016): Fine Ash Leaching in Tailings Dams – An Impact on the Underlying Aquifers? – p. 348 – 355; Freiberg, Germany (Technische Universität Bergakademie Freiberg).

PDFFernandez-Rojo, Lidia; Casiot, C.; Desoeuvre, A.; Braungardt, C.; Torres, E.; Le Pape, P.; Morin, G.; Tardy, V.; Resongles, E.; Delpoux, S.; Boisson, J.; Grapin, G.; Héry, M. (2016): Iron and arsenic removal in a continuous flow reactor treating As-rich acid mine drainage (AMD). – p. 869 – 875; Freiberg, Germany (Technische Universität Bergakademie Freiberg).

PDFSephton, Michael Gordon; Webb, J. (2016): Preliminary results from experiments with Cement slurries to control Acid Mine Drainage in Waste Rocks from Brukunga Mine in South Australia. – p. 720 – 726; Freiberg, Germany (Technische Universität Bergakademie Freiberg).

2015

1st prize Laura Laurenzi

PDFLaurenzi, Laura; Mayer, K. Ulrich; Beckie, Roger (2015): A Metal Attenuation Study on Waste Rock Collected from the East Dump, Antamina Mine, Peru: A Combined Mineralogical and Geochemical Approach. – In: Agreeing on solutions for more sustainable mine water management – Proceedings of the 10th ICARD & IMWA Annual Conference. – electronic document (paper 189); Santiago, Chile (GECAMIN).

2nd prize Maria Mäkitalo

PDFMäkitalo, Maria; Mácsik, J.; Maurice, C.; Öhlander, B. (2015): Improving Till by Adding Green Liquor Dregs in Sealing Layers to Control AMD – A Pilot Study. – In: Agreeing on solutions for more sustainable mine water management – Proceedings of the 10th ICARD & IMWA Annual Conference. – electronic document (paper 032); Santiago, Chile (GECAMIN).

2014

1st prize Alireza Arab

PDFArab, Alireza; Bertau, Martin; Mischo, Helmut; Merkel, Broder (2014): Enhanced in Situ Leaching (EISLEACH) Mining by Means of Supercritical Carbon Dioxide - TOUGHREACT Modeling. – In: Sui, Wanghua; Sun, Yajun & Wang, Changshen: An Interdisciplinary Response to Mine Water Challenges. – p. 190 – 194; Xuzhou, China (China University of Mining and Technology).

2nd prize Fatien K.F. Macdonald

PDFMacdonald, Fatien K.F.; Lund, Mark; Blanchette, Melanie; McCullough, C. (2014): Regulation of Artisanal Small Scale Gold Mining (ASGM) in Ghana and Indonesia as Currently Implemented Fails to Adequately Protect Aquatic Ecosystems. – In: Sui, Wanghua; Sun, Yajun & Wang, Changshen: An Interdisciplinary Response to Mine Water Challenges. – p. 401 – 405; Xuzhou, China (China University of Mining and Technology).

2013

1st prize Bronwyn P Camden-Smith

PDFCamden-Smith, Bronwyn P; Johnson, Raymond H; Richardson, Robert; Billing, David G; Tutu, Hlanganani (2013): Investigating the potential impact of efflorescent mineral crusts on water quality: complementing analytical techniques with geochemical modelling. – In: Brown, A.; Figueroa, L. & Wolkersdorfer, Ch.: Reliable Mine Water Technology (Vol I). – p. 281 – 287; Denver, Colorado, USA (Publication Printers).

2nd prize Ashley Jones

PDFJones, Ashley; Rogerson, Micheal; Greenway, Gillian; Mayes, William Matthew (2013): Controls on zinc uptake from circum-neutral mine drainage in freshwater biofilms. – In: Brown, A.; Figueroa, L. & Wolkersdorfer, Ch.: Reliable Mine Water Technology (Vol I). – p. 383 – 390; Denver, Colorado, USA (Publication Printers).

2012

1st prize Sanaz Orandi

PDFOrandi, S., Lewis, D. M., Eslami, A. & Mohebbi, A. (2012): A novel approach to exploit indigenous mining algal-microbes in a photo-rotating biological contactor for heavy metal removal from acid mine drainage. – In: McCullough, C. D., Lund, M. A. & Wyse, L.: International Mine Water Association Symposium. – p. 231 – 236, 1 fig.; Bunbury (Edith Cowan University).

2nd prize Elvis Fosso-Kankeu

PDFFosso-Kankeu, E., Mulaba-Bafubiandi, A. F., Tlou, G. & Piater, L. (2012): The next step in the bioremediation of heavy metal polluted water - development of suitable microbial-sorbent. – In: McCullough, C. D., Lund, M. A. & Wyse, L.: International Mine Water Association Symposium. – p. 593 – 599, 3 fig., 1 tab.; Bunbury (Edith Cowan University).

2011

1st prize Neehal Mooruth

PDFMooruth, Neehal (2011): Passive Treatment of Acid Mine Drainage via a Linear Flow Channel Reactor utilising a Floating Sulphur Biofilm. – In: Rüde, R. T., Freund, A. & Wolkersdorfer, Ch.: Mine Water – Managing the Challenges. - p. 411 – 415; Aachen, Germany.

2nd prize Elisee Nsimba Bakatula

PDFBakatula, Elisee Nsimba; Cukrowska, Ewa; Straker, Colin; Weiersbye, Isabel; Tutu, Hlanganani (2011): Biosorption of metals from gold mine wastewaters by Penicillium simplicissimum immobilized on zeolite: Kinetic, equilibrium and thermodynamic studies. – In: Rüde, R. T., Freund, A. & Wolkersdorfer, Ch.: Mine Water – Managing the Challenges. - p. 271 – 275; Aachen, Germany.

2010

1st prize Benoît Plante

PDFPlante, Benoît; Benzaazoua, Mostafa; Pepin, Geneviève; Bussière, Bruno (2010): Evaluation of the Ni-contaminated neutral drainage generation potential in the Tio mine waste rocks. – In: Wolkersdorfer, Ch. & Freund, A.: Mine Water & Innovative Thinking. – p. 391 – 395; Sydney, Nova Scotia (CBU Press).

2nd prize Jennifer Geroni

PDFGeroni, Jennifer Nia (2010): The potential for semi-passive mine water treatment by CO₂ stripping at Ynysarwed, S.Wales. – In: Wolkersdorfer, Ch. & Freund, A.: Mine Water & Innovative Thinking. – p. 123 – 127; Sydney, Nova Scotia (CBU Press).

2009

Alison Turner | Dyllon Randall

PDFTurner, A., Braungardt, C., Worsfold, P., Rieuwerts, J., Williamson, B. & Potter, H. (2009): Dynamic Up-Flow Percolation Tests – A Model for Mining Waste Leachate Generation. – In: Water Institute of Southern Africa & International Mine Water Association: Proceedings, International Mine Water Conference. – p. 858-867, 7 fig., 1 tab.; Pretoria (Document Transformation Technologies).

PDFRandall, D., Nathoo, J. & Lewis, A. E. (2009): Seeding for Selective Salt Recovery during Eutectic Freeze Crystallization. – In: Water Institute of Southern Africa & International Mine Water Association: Proceedings, International Mine Water Conference. – p. 639-648, 11 fig., 1 tab.; Pretoria (Document Transformation Technologies).

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Last Updated on Sunday, 02 June 2024 08:02  

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News Flash

Mine Water is the water that collects in both surface and underground mines. It comes from the inflow of rain or surface water and from groundwater seepage. During the active life of the mine, water is pumped out to keep the mine dry and to allow access to the ore body. Pumped water may be used in the extraction process, pumped to tailings impoundments, used for activities like dust control, or discharged as a waste. The water can be of the same quality as drinking water, or it can be very acidic and laden with high concentrations of potentially toxic elements.

(from UNEP/GRID-Arenda web site)