Mining Use Case: Argo Mill & Tunnel, Idaho Springs, Colorado - Case Study

Avivid Global Water demonstrated its electrocoagulation (EC) technology for treatment of acid mine water discharge (AMD), waste reduction, and economic recovery of metals utilizing its patented TurboCoag® reactor. This research took place at the Argo Mine in Idaho Springs, Colorado at the request of EPA Region 8, CDPHE, and local private mine owners.

The Argo Mill and Tunnel was constructed from 1893 to 1903, to connect dozens of mines, drain them of water, and supply haulage routes and milling to miners during the Colorado Gold Rush. Operations ceased in 1943 after catastrophic flooding and it is now part of a 400 square mile EPA Superfund Site. The Argo Tunnel Water Treatment Plant (Argo WTP) began operation in 1998. It treats AMD from the Argo Tunnel, the Big Five Tunnel, and ground water contaminated with heavy metals from Virginia Canyon. Argo WTP currently uses lime to treat AMD prior to release to Clear Creek which is used for recreational and industrial use and as a potable water source for Golden, CO and other downstream communities.