Lithological Controls on Acid Mine Drainage Formation: An Integrated Rock Characterization of AMD Sources in the Sungai Seluang Area, East Kalimantan, Indonesia

Jamaluddin; Muhammad Syifaul Qulub; Nijusiho Manik; Emi Prasetyawati Umar; Hamriani Ryka; Efrina Chandra Agusti Putri

doi:10.58524/ijhes.v5i1.1061

Authors

Jamaluddin Geological Engineering Study Program, Sekolah Tinggi Teknologi Migas Balikpapan https://orcid.org/0000-0003-3663-8316
Muhammad Syifaul Qulub Geological Engineering Study Program, Sekolah Tinggi Teknologi Migas Balikpapan
Nijusiho Manik Geological Engineering Study Program, Sekolah Tinggi Teknologi Migas Balikpapan https://orcid.org/0009-0007-5692-3735
Emi Prasetyawati Umar Mining Engineering Department, Faculty of Industrial Technology, Universitas Muslim Indonesia https://orcid.org/0000-0001-5368-0140
Hamriani Ryka Geological Engineering Study Program, Sekolah Tinggi Teknologi Migas Balikpapan
Efrina Chandra Agusti Putri Geological Engineering Study Program, Sekolah Tinggi Teknologi Migas Balikpapan

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.58524/ijhes.v5i1.1061

Abstract

Acid Mine Drainage (AMD) represents a critical environmental challenge in coal-mining regions, particularly due to its long-term impacts on surface water quality and surrounding ecosystems. This study investigates the lithological controls on AMD formation in the Sungai Seluang area, East Kalimantan, Indonesia, through an integrated rock characterization approach. The novelty of this research lies in linking detailed lithological attributes and pyrite micro-morphology with AMD generation potential and its implications for riverine water systems. Macroscopic lithological observations were combined with standardized pH testing (SNI 6989.11:2019) and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) to evaluate the acid-generation characteristics of representative rock units. The results indicate that 92% of the analyzed samples are classified as Potentially Acid Forming (PAF), while only 8% are Non-Acid Forming (NAF). The study area is lithologically dominated by claystone (42%), sandstone (31%), and shale (27%), all of which commonly exhibit intense oxidative staining, pervasive fracturing, and weathering features that significantly enhance sulfide exposure to oxygen and water. SEM analyses reveal the presence of both euhedral and framboidal pyrite, with framboidal pyrite identified as particularly reactive and influential in accelerating acid production. Measured pH values are predominantly acidic (<6), indicating a high AMD potential that poses a serious threat to the Sungai Seluang system through acidification and metal mobilization. These findings demonstrate that lithology and micro-scale mineralogical characteristics play a decisive role in controlling AMD formation and its environmental consequences. The integrated approach adopted in this study provides a robust framework for early AMD source identification and supports the development of more effective geochemical management strategies aimed at protecting water quality and minimizing long-term environmental degradation in coal-mining areas.

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