Mine Wastes And Water Ecological Engineering And Metals Extraction

The book reviews past and present mine waste management processes. It estimates global water consumption by major mining resources per annum. This consumption will lead land use resources (agriculture and water) to collide with mining interests expected in the near future. With the application of novel metal extraction processes and the adoption of ecological engineering as an approach to waste and water management, a reduction in water and land consumption can be achieved. Using these methodologies would make mining more sustainable. Together with ore and metal recycling, mining methods can be brought into the 21st century. The book describes natural weathering processes and the microbiology of extreme environments, also known as mine sites. The role of microbes in weathering and remediation is emphasized, along with case studies of the enhancement of various ecological processes which curtail weathering and transform pollutants, creating ore bodies of the future. This book has been written as an extension to a contribution to the Oxford Research Encyclopedia. It adds depth and many examples from 40 years of multidisciplinary work with experts from geology, hydrogeology, geomicrobiology and algal physiology and chemistry, items too extensive for the Encyclopedia.

Today's best practice in environmental mine-waste management requires a thorough understanding of the wastes produced. The knowledge of mine wastes represents a new interdisciplinary science and this book provides an introductory, descriptive and analytic overview of the wastes produced in the mineral industry. It describes the characterization, prediction, monitoring, disposal and treatment as well as environmental impacts. Intended for undergraduate courses, it systematically builds the reader’s understanding and knowledge of the wastes produced, their physical and chemical characteristics, and how to deal responsibly with them on a short and long-term basis. The text employs 22 case studies spanning the world’s mineral industry that elucidate best practice and specific challenges in mine-waste management and site rehabilitation.

The book is a comprehensive treatment of the application of geotechnical engineering to site selection, site exploration, design, operation and closure of mine waste storage facilities.The level and content are suitable as a technical source and reference for practising engineers engaged both in the design and operational management of mine waste s

This is a detailed study on the design, operation and maintenance of mines in relationship to the total environment.

Guidelines for Mine Waste Dump and Stockpile Design is a comprehensive, practical guide to the investigation, design, operation and monitoring of mine waste dumps, dragline spoils and major stockpiles associated with large open pit mines. These facilities are some of the largest man-made structures on Earth, and while most have performed very well, there are cases where instabilities have occurred with severe consequences, including loss of life and extensive environmental and economic damage. Developed and written by industry experts with extensive knowledge and experience, this book is an initiative of the Large Open Pit (LOP) Project. It comprises 16 chapters that follow the life cycle of a mine waste dump, dragline spoil or stockpile from site selection to closure and reclamation. It describes the investigation and design process, introduces a comprehensive stability rating and hazard classification system, provides guidance on acceptability criteria, and sets out the key elements of stability and runout analysis. Chapters on site and material characterisation, surface water and groundwater characterisation and management, risk assessment, operations and monitoring, management of ARD, emerging technologies and closure are included. A chapter is also dedicated to the analysis and design of dragline spoils. Guidelines for Mine Waste Dump and Stockpile Design summarises the current state of practice and provides insight and guidance to mine operators, geotechnical engineers, mining engineers, hydrogeologists, geologists and other individuals that are responsible at the mine site level for ensuring the stability and performance of these structures. Readership includes mining engineers, geotechnical engineers, civil engineers, engineering geologists, hydrogeologists, environmental scientists, and other professionals involved in the site selection, investigation, design, permitting, construction, operation, monitoring, closure and reclamation of mine waste dumps and stockpiles.

Negative environmental events make the headlines. Mining industry examples are the recent incidents at Summitville, Colorado, US, and the cyanide leak at Cambria Resource's Omai Operation in Guyana. In this volatile atmosphere, the publication of the Mining Environmental Handbook comes at an opportune time. It presents an objective, comprehensive and integrated examination of the effects of mining on the environment, and the environmental laws that deal with mining. Though stressing activities in the United States of America, it covers all of North America. North American environmental standards are currently being exported around the world. Consequently, this handbook will be of prime interest in countries that are now coming to terms with mining environmentalism. It should benefit working engineers and environmentalists, manufacturers, legislators, regulators, financiers and journalists. It has been selected as a university textbook. Finally, it will be an indispensable reference during serious discussions about mining environmentalism. Contents: Development of the Mine Environmental Precept and Its Current Political StatusThe Legal Bases of Federal Environmental Control of MiningEnvironmental Control at the State LevelEnvironmental Effects of MiningTechnologies for Environmental ProtectionEnvironmental PermittingSystems Design for Site Specific Environmental ProtectionOperations Environmental ManagementSolution Mining and In-Situ LeachingPlacer or Alluvial MiningCoalAcid Mine Drainage and Other Mining-Influenced Waters (MIW)Uses of Mines as Landfills and RepositoriesEconomic Impact of Current Environmental Regulations on MiningFinancial Assurances for Corrective Actions, Closure and Post ClosureInternational Environmental Control of MiningEnvironmental Case Studies from the Hard Rock IndustryCurrent and Projected IssuesDirectory of State Regulatory AgenciesGlossaryIndex Readership: Engineers, environmentalists and geologists. Keywords:History;Legal Aspects;Problems;Technology;Permitting;Case Studies;Economic ImpactReviews:“… is a useful, and very readable, first point of reference for those needing to have a general overview of the various environmental issues arising from mining and mineral processing … There is much to commend the book to wider international use, as it contains a considerable amount of universal 'best practice' which can be applied to mining situations in most countries seeking to adopt credible western standards.”MININGtechnology

Bio-Geotechnologies for Mine Site Rehabilitation deals with the biological, physical, chemical, and engineering approaches necessary for the reclamation of mine waste. As mining has negative effects on natural resources and deteriorates the quality of the surrounding environment, this book provides coverage across different types of mining industries, which are currently creating industrial deserts overloaded with technogenic waste. The book offers cost-effective strategies and approaches for contaminated sites, along with remediation and rehabilitation methods for contaminated soils and waste dumps. It is an essential resource for students and academics, but is also ideal for applied professionals in environmental geology, mineral geologists, biotechnologists and policymakers. Deals with global and holistic approaches of abandoned mine land rehabilitation Includes mine waste rehabilitation case studies from around the world Covers integrated technologies, such as bioremediation of metalliferous soil Provide strategies for sustainable ecosystems on mine spoil dumps Offers novel methods for the remediation of acid mine drainage