Characterization of a mine legacy site: an approach for environmental management and metals recovery

• Type: Article in International Scientific Journal
• Date: 2020-01-23

Authors

Maria de Lurdes Dinis (Author) FEUP; António Fiúza (Author) FEUP; Aurora Futuro Silva (Author) FEUP; Alexandre Leite (Author) FEUP; Diogo Martins (Author) Other; Janine Figueiredo (Author) Other; Joaquim Góis (Author) FEUP; Maria Cristina Vila (Author) FEUP

Journal

Title: Environmental Science and Pollution Research

Vol. 27 No. 9

Pages: 10103-10114

ISSN: 0944-1344

Publisher: Springer Nature

Indexing

ISI Web of Knowledge - 3 Citations

Scopus - 3 Citations

Scientific classification

CORDIS: Technological sciences > Engineering

FOS: Engineering and technology

Other information

Authenticus ID: P-00R-NJQ

DOI: 10.1007/s11356-019-06987-x

Abstract (EN): The characterization of historical mine tailings provides important information for land-management decisions, in particular when considering potential reprocessing activities or the development of an environmental protection program. In addition, outcomes from such characterization may define the scope for a more detailed investigation. The present work describes the characterization of the waste material from the Cabeco do Piao tailings impoundment performed within the project ReMinE: Improve Resource Efficiency and Minimize Environmental Footprint. The purpose of the work was to investigate alternative mine waste management options such as the extraction of valuable resources from an environmental liability. The study involved the collection of 41 samples at different locations at two different depths, physical and chemical characterization of the wastes, natural leaching tests, and potential for acid generation. The results showed that, apart from the potential instability of the dyke (with an average slope of 35 degrees), the drained solutions flowing by percolation contain very small particles with high arsenic contents that are being incorporated into the river sediments. In addition, these very fine-grained materials are available for the transport by the wind creating secondary sources of environmental contamination. This data is fundamental for economic and environmental assessment of the two main alternatives, reprocessing or removal.

Language: English

Type (Professor's evaluation): Scientific

No. of pages: 12